Don’t meddle in politics, NGOs warned
GOVERNMENT has urged non-governmental organisations to be sensitive to the political environment during the election period and safeguard their actions and activities from being manipulated, misinterpreted or politicised.
Speaking during a meeting between civic society and Government departments, Manicaland provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza advised civic society to be prudent during the elections by sticking to their mandate to avoid being casualties during the emotionally charged elective period.
“The elective period is emotionally charged and can easily become violent so it is important that you remain sensitive to the prevailing environment so that you do not undertake activities that might be misinterpreted,” Mr Seenza said.
He dissuaded civic organisations from meddling in politics as this might result in them being seen as politicians.
“You are not politicians, but your duty is to facilitate and avail humanitarian assistance to the people. Hence it is imperative that you remain neutral during this elective period as deviating from your mandate might result in your actions being misinterpreted as political,” said Mr Seenza.
“You are also required to be sensitive to Government operations especially during the election period because failure to do so might result in a lot of things going wrong.”
Mr Seenza also informed stakeholders present that Government was not hindering civic society operations, but appealing to civic organisations to be sensitive to electoral processes.
The civic organisations called on Government to expedite the climate change policy so as to strategically tackle the worsening impacts of climate change.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa said Government was facilitating the adoption of climate smart agriculture techniques and methods, which would go a long way in increasing production and enhancing sustainable production as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“Government and partners are facilitating the provision of new agricultural approaches and technologies, which will lead to higher production, higher yields and sustainable production as well as effectively curbing the effects of climate change, she said.
“The policy will help in the coordination of climate issues as well as promote the mainstreaming of climate change issues into national development plans.”
Minister Mutsvangwa added that Government prioritised climate change issues, as had been demonstrated by the implementation of climate change protection measures across all sectors.