President Emmerson Mnangagwa has allocated four metric tonnes of rice to the 360 Members of the National Assembly and Senate for distribution to citizens.
This was revealed in a letter dated December 2024, written by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Secretary Simon Masanga, and addressed to Grain Marketing Board Chief Executive Edson Badarai. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa has allocated 4mt to 360 Members of the National Assembly and Senate, for distribution to the indigent members within their respective constituencies in both urban and rural areas.
</blockquote>
CCC National Assembly proportional representation member Thokozani Khupe said on Friday that she distributed 3 tonnes of rice to 600 people in Cowdary Park, Bulawayo. She posted on X:
<blockquote>
Today, I distributed 3 tonnes of rice to 600 people in Cowdary Park, Ward 28, alongside Councillor Ntando Ndlovu, with each recipient receiving 5kg of rice.
Earlier, I distributed 1.5 tonnes of rice to Mpilo Hospital together with Senators K. Phulu and L. Sibanda, joined by Councillor Adrian Moyo of Ward 2.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is experiencing its worst drought in four decades, leaving over half of the population in urgent need of food aid.
There are growing concerns that the country could face another drought, as planting has yet to commence in some areas due to delayed rains. Additionally, the rainfall received so far has been unevenly distributed, exacerbating the situation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave 4 metric tonnes of rice to 360 Members of Parliament to help people in their areas. Thokozani Khupe shared rice with 600 people in Cowdary Park and Mpilo Hospital. Zimbabwe is facing a severe drought, and many people need food help. There are worries about another drought because of delayed planting and uneven rain. This aid from the government is trying to help those in need during this difficult time.

Members Of Parliament To Distribute Rice In Constituencies

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has urged Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube to reverse a 15% Value Added tax (VAT) introduced earlier this month saying the tax will push up the price of rice.
Ncube announced Statutory Instrument 15 of 2024 on 09 February.
In a statement, GMAZ President Tafadzwa Musarara also said the 15% VAT will result in untaxed rice processed in South Africa flooding the Zimbabwean market. Said Musarara:
<blockquote>
An imposition of VAT will increase the costs of 2kg rice from US$2.00 to US$2.30 or US$2.40.
Due to change complications, some retailers may end up pricing the same at US$3.00. This will weigh down heavily on consumer spending.
Rice in South Africa is VAT free and will land in Zimbabwe cheaper than locally-processed rice.
The local market will soon be dominated by prepacked rice imports putting in danger 2,800 local workers in the rice sector and also the massive infrastructure will be made redundant.
Consequently, government will not earn the intended revenue. We anticipate that VAT collection to be low, and the fiscus will lose employment related tax revenues due to the job losses.
</blockquote>
He said rice is the second most preferred food in Zimbabwe with a monthly consumption of 15 000 metric tonnes, and expected to rise to 22 500 by 2028. Said Musarara:
<blockquote>
Rice has favourable nutritional content than maize-meal as it is low in fat, cholesterol free and high in fibre.
It has a lower glycaemic index compared to maize-meal, thus keeping blood sugar more stable compared to maize meal.
This attribute is critical in the country’s fight against non-communicable diseases such as sugar diabetes.
Rice is gluten-free and ideal for persons with gastrointestinal health challenges.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has experienced wave after wave of price increases since the start of the year as a raft of tax measures introduced by Treasury in the 2024 National Budget kick in.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drought Latest News

Latest Jobs