By Cde Dadza Matola
Epworth residents gathered at Domboramwari High School today as the ruling ZANU PF party handed out food hampers to households identified as vulnerable, in what organisers described as a presidential initiative aimed at easing the financial strain of the so-called “January disease.”
The hampers, reportedly distributed on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, included a dish, a 10kg bag of mealie-meal, 2kg of flour, 2kg of sugar, popcorn, and a 2-litre bottle of cooking oil. However, both residents and independent observers questioned the value and fairness of the distribution, describing it as limited and selective.
Several attendees estimated the hamper’s market value at around US$15.50, a figure many criticised as insufficient for families facing unemployment, soaring prices, and inadequate service delivery.
“What does this achieve for the next five years?” one frustrated resident asked. “We need leadership that improves our lives, not groceries that don’t even last a week.”
Only those whose names appeared on pre-arranged lists reportedly dominated by party loyalists were able to receive the hampers, leaving many waiting in vain despite enduring rain throughout the morning. The distribution, which began around 9am, led to growing tensions as the number of beneficiaries remained limited.
Emotions ran high, with women, some carrying babies, expressing anger and disappointment. “Those who receive something will vote,” one woman said. “But programmes like this only benefit a select few, and we can’t waste our time.”
A security guard working for Fawcett Security, who requested anonymity, criticised the programme, saying it reflected a failure of leadership. “People expected real opportunities and jobs, not token gestures like this,” he said. “Today’s event shows the gap between promises and reality.”
The disillusionment was echoed by several residents, who said the food distribution appeared more like a political exercise than a genuine effort to support vulnerable households, particularly given the selective nature of the beneficiary list.
The event was attended by prominent local ZANU PF leaders, including Cecilia Mupakami, also known as Mai Hwata. Party officials defended the programme as a success intended to help vulnerable families, but they did not publicly address complaints about exclusion or the adequacy of the hampers.
As Epworth continues to face pressing socio-economic challenges, the event has highlighted the growing disconnect between political promises and the lived realities of residents, many of whom left Domboramwari High School wet, hungry, and disappointed.
