ZIMBABWE’S two main political parties, the ruling ZANU-PF and the opposition MDC have said in separate statements that they have placed teams on the ground to coordinate Cyclone Idai rescue effort as well as receive donations for onward transmission to the victims affected.
In a statement to the media, the ZANU-PF youth league say they have launched a Youth Local Aid Initiative dubbed “Operation Assist Cyclone Idai Victims.”
The statement reads in part: “A disaster has fallen upon our motherland Zimbabwe. Lives have been lost. Some people are still to receive assistance, with some marooned as rivers are impassable as the road infrastructure has not been spared.
“To the people of Manicaland, especially Chimanimani and Chipinge, the ZANU PF League family stands with you in this most trying period. Take heart and know that we grieve with you.
“In light of this most unfortunate and disheartening natural disaster, the ZANU PF Youth League as part of it’s civic and national national service agenda calls has already initiated donation of essential supplies commencing with the leadership. In addition, some of our Youth League members in Manicaland are currently working with the Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland in the rescue operations. This serves a pertinent clarion call for its membership, affiliate organisations and all progressive citizens both local and in the diaspora to donate towards this cause. The League is mobilising for material donations ( Clothes, food, tents, blankets, etc)
“A collection point has been established at the ZANU PF Provincial HQ in Mutare.Those outside Mutare can drop their donations at any nearby ZANU PF Offices. Harare cadres are advised to drop off their donations at the ZANU PF National HQ.
For any other donations kindly get in touch with the following:
Cde Elizabeth Masuku on 0773457067
Secretary for Transport and Social Welfare;
Cde Tendai Chirau: 0712523652
Sec for Administration Youth League; and
Cde Getrude Mutandi 0772925727
National Secretary for Finance.
The MDC also say they have teams on the ground assisting. A statement from the MDC says: “#CycloneIdia command centers Harare Brilliant Dube : 0783 083363 Ngoni Chimbalu: 0775952734 Kuda Matibhiri : 0772864264 Mike Mataruka: 0773010364 Mutare: Mayor Tandi Blessing: 0772593625 Mayor Zivanai Nyakuchena: 0772521780. Contact for assistance in kind.
“These teams are receiving all donations in kind- those clothes, food, blankets you name it. Everything counts.”