Staff Reporter
Rural farmers and traditional leaders are reportedly being pressured by Agritex officers across the country to contribute maize grain—ostensibly to feed delegates at upcoming Heroes Day provincial celebrations—under an arrangement not backed by any official government policy.
In Chivhu district (Masvingo Province), Agritex head Brighton Hadzirabwi has been instructing his subordinates via WhatsApp to collect 10kg of maize from each Pfumvudza beneficiary, and 15–20kg from village heads and chiefs.
“You can use the Pfumvudza list for total numbers per village and Ward . . . Store the grain at the Sabhuku’s homestead,” one of Hadzirabwi’s leaked messages reads.
When his directive faced resistance, Hadzirabwi pressed harder, accusing extension staff of failing to mobilize farmers and demanding progress reports and photos of meetings.
He insisted all Pfumvudza recipients were expected to contribute.
Contacted for comment, Hadzirabwi claimed the maize was not for Heroes Day but for the national grain reserve through the GMB, though no official communication has confirmed this.
Investigations revealed growing concerns that the campaign may be driven by politically connected cartels, exploiting disinformation that Heroes Day celebrations would involve both ZANU-PF and opposition members, necessitating community maize donations.
Efforts to get clarification from Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka were unsuccessful, and no public directive has been issued by the ministry regarding grain collection from farmers or traditional leaders.
Typically, Heroes Day celebrations are funded by the Treasury, as part of the government’s official national calendar.
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