The Southern Stars Foundation has issued a strong warning against organised syndicates it claims are attempting to sabotage Zimbabwe's Grain Marketing Board (GMB) operations, declaring food security a matter of national security.
In a statement, the foundation alleged that sophisticated arbitrage cartels have historically operated a "recycling" racket, purchasing subsidised grain from GMB under false pretences, hoarding supplies to create artificial shortages, then selling the same stock back to the state at inflated premiums.
"This cycle of corruption has not only drained state resources but has directly threatened the livelihoods of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans," the foundation said.
The organisation commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for its commitment to accountability, specifically applauding the Mutapa Investment Fund's appointment of robust boards at GMB and Silo Foods.
However, the foundation expressed alarm over what it described as a "vicious, underground counter-offensive" by cartels whose illicit profits have been dismantled.
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"These cartels are deliberately attempting to trigger public panic and civil unrest to force the reversal of current, necessary reforms," the statement read.
"The Southern Stars Foundation views these acts of sabotage as a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the state."
The foundation urged the ministry of Agriculture and national security apparatus to maintain an unyielding stance against sabotage, investigate and prosecute those behind destabilisation campaigns, and protect the reform process, including current 30-day payment windows at GMB and Silo Foods.
"The integrity of our food supply chain is the backbone of our economy," the foundation declared. "We will not stand idly by while a handful of greedy profiteers holds the nation's stomach hostage for personal gain."