Communities must help needy children

THE late former South African statesman Nelson Mandela once remarked that any country or community which does not care for its children is not a nation at all. Sadly, Zimbabwe is headed in that direction and at a faster pace too.

On a daily basis, we read stories of crimes and injustices being perpetrated against women and children, the very people who are supposed to be treated with utmost love and care.

Last year, we witnessed the gruesome murder of young Tapiwa Makore who was buried without his head and to date the nation still awaits the finalisation of the case. No one really understands what happened to the boy.

What boggles the mind is that day-in-day-out, we read of aspiring legislators splashing cash, food handouts and T-shirts in a bid to win public votes. We have politicians traversing the length and breadth of Zimbabwe in their luxury 4x4s canvassing for votes and spending thousands of dollars in the process.

We have government ministries and parastatals buying newspaper space to affirm their allegiance to the national leadership each time a national hero dies. But whenever there is a desperate cry for help from a disadvantaged member of society, everyone looks the other way and pretend as if they heard nothing.

Recently, we had an eightyear-old boy from Masvingo whose face was mauled by a hyena at night during a church service but not even a single politician came to his aid. Instead, South Africans have offered to help the lad.

If ever there is a politician who responds to children’s appeal for help, he/ she would be the ideal candidate for election to Parliament.

Come on Zimbabwe, let us show the spirit of togetherness and help the suffering children.