Permanent Secretary In the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has justified President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s move to give Political Actors Dialogue {POLAD} principals brand new Isuzu D-Max cars.
Mangwana’s justification came following criticism from most Zimbabweans who saw is as an un necessary move for Mnangangwa to handover vehicles at this time when Zimbabwe is facing economic hardships.
In a statement, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe {ATUZ} said government has failed to provide adequate health care for citizens with very few ambulances available at public hospitals whilst wasting taxpayers money on POLAD.
“Sanctions imposed on social services. The health sector is collapsing, there is no water in taps and a collapsing education sector but the President channels tax payer’s money towards cars for POLAD clowns. Be an Education Steward today and help #SaveOurEducationZw. Education and dignity are rights.” said ARTUZ.
Team Pachedu, a group of activists with a presence on social media, also criticized the government for the hand over of Isuzu D-Max cars.
“Mnangagwa bought Isuzu cars for POLAD clowns who got less than 1% votes in 2018 using taxpayers money, yet 73% of Zimbabweans are totally against POLAD according to the Afrobarometer survey.
“ED is wasting our taxes which could have been used to buy more ambulances.” said Team Pachedu.
However on his twitter handle Mr Nick Mangwana justified the government’s move insisting that people don’t appreciate the good deeds which President Emmerson Mnanagwa do.
“So, it’s ok for foreign Govts and their NGOs to resource the activities of opposition parties but wrong for own Govt to do so? Imika imi! It’s a Sunday, go and seek the face of the Lord!(endai munotsvaka chiso chaJehovha),” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday handed over 19 vehicles to leaders of fringe political parties which participated in the 2018 presidential election. POLAD was established by Mnangagwa in 2018 as a platform to engage with other presidential election candidates in that year’s election.
During the hand over the Zanu Pf First Secretary told the POLAD principals that the vehicles should only be used for “political or development work”.
“The vehicles have been made identifiable and make sure they carry the dignity of POLAD. You are not going to use them as you see fit, except that it must be for political work of development,” he said.
“Down the line, of course, the other purpose belongs to POLAD now that they are given to each political party. After three years, we will then review and make sure that they belong to you.”
Meanwhile, MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora said he will not join POLAD.
