By Dumisani Ndlovu
Themba Mliswa, the outspoken former Norton legislator and current Headman of Shurugwi, has launched a scathing attack on the Shurugwi Presidential Input Distribution Committee.
Speaking at the Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe road official launch by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Shurugwi, Mliswa demanded Presidential intervention in the matter.
Mliswa’s concerns come hardly two months after the Dorset Presidential Inputs Scheme Committee in ward 21 of Shurugwi South Constituency was embroiled in allegations of corruption.
The allegations included inflated transport costs, where farmers were being charged between US$4 and US$5 while transport owners only received US$2 per beneficiary.
Although the Committee was dissolved, quite a number of farmers have not yet been given back their money as per the directive by Shurugwi District Development Coordinators.
“I am calling upon Your Excellency, President Emerson Mnangagwa, to intervene in this matter,” Mliswa said.
“The farming inputs, which include essential materials such as seeds, fertilizers, and food aid, are meant to be distributed to farmers and villagers at no cost.”
However, Mliswa alleged that the distribution committees have been charging farmers for these inputs, which is a clear deviation from the intended purpose of the program.
It’s worth noting that the Presidential Input Scheme is meant to empower citizens at household level to participate in household agriculture and national food security.
Mliswa’s attack on the distribution committee is a clear indication that he will not hesitate to speak truth to power and fight for the rights of his people. As a respected community leader and Headman of Shurugwi, Mliswa is well-positioned to understand the needs and challenges of his community.
“The people of Shurugwi are concerned, and they expect action,” Mliswa concluded.
“I urge Your Excellency to address this matter urgently and ensure that the farming inputs are distributed to farmers free of charge, as intended.”
A prominent Shurugwi leader who declined to be identified said “This is not just about the principle of fairness, but also about the practical implications of such actions.
“Many farmers in Shurugwi rely heavily on these inputs to sustain their livelihoods. By charging them for these essential materials, the distribution committees are essentially crippling the farmers’ ability to produce and provide for their families,” he said