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Zanu PF members attempt to disrupt US envoy meeting

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A GROUP of 12 placard-waving Zanu PF members unsuccessfully tried to disrupt a meeting held between US Ambassador Bruce Wharton and members of Zubo in Sikalenge village in Binga last Thursday.

A GROUP of 12 placard-waving Zanu PF members unsuccessfully tried to disrupt a meeting held between US Ambassador Bruce Wharton and members of Zubo in Sikalenge village in Binga last Thursday.

by Own Correspondent

The group sang a Tonga song and after three minutes of singing and dancing, their leader demanded that the group be allowed into meetings with the ambassador.

The group demanded that the United States must do more for Zimbabwe instead of doling out “handouts”.

“Ambassador Wharton,” one of the demonstrators, identified as, Elias Sibanda said, “we will do this at the next stop, and the next stop and the next one.”

However, both Wharton and members of Zubo, a women’s association, appeared unmoved by the demonstrations.

In an interview, councillor of the area, Prince Sibanda said the demonstration was done by a group of Zanu PF youths who wanted to showcase their existence to their leaders.

“Since independence, the government has been neglecting Binga and the US government has always been there to cover the gaps and we appreciate their assistance in our district,” Sibanda said.

Sibanda said three members of the group that demonstrated have since gone back to the community to apologise.

Wharton praised the Binga Zubo women for the work they were doing.

“My country is powerful in the world, but here in Binga you are powerful, your destiny is in your hands,” he said, urging the women to explore online marketing as another method of increasing sales of their products. We can only support the work that you do and what I have seen here has impressed me,” Wharton said.

“With your leadership, you have proven the power of community action, the power of people working together, it is a very impressive story you should be very proud of the work you have done.I will commit to you that we will continue to look for ways to support you to enable you to further develop and provide for your community.”

The women at Sikalenge ward showcased their works including basket weaving, kapenta fishing and rosella farming.

The women have also established a fruit drink making project, where they use local knowledge to brew a variety of flavours from the sweet and nutritious baobab and amarula fruits that are abundant in the district.