Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO — Residents in Masvingo Urban have questioned the transparency of food aid distribution to victims of the October 5 hailstorm, alleging that some affected families were left out while questions persist over the selection of beneficiaries.
The concerns come amid public criticism following a donation by Hippo Valley Estates to support people affected by the disaster, with social media users questioning whether the donated goods are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the hailstorm a State of Disaster on October 7, 2026, paving the way for the mobilisation of emergency assistance for affected communities.
Speaking anonymously to The Midweek Watch, a source questioned the beneficiary selection process during a food aid distribution exercise held on Saturday, October 24, involving residents from Ward 7 and Ward 8 in Masvingo Urban.
The source claimed that at least 100 beneficiaries were drawn from Ward 8, despite what the source described as a list of more than 3,000 people called up from the two wards.
The source also alleged that some beneficiaries came from Mwenezi and Chivi districts, raising questions about how the recipients were selected and whether the assistance was reaching those most affected by the hailstorm.
“How are we going to account for that when Social Welfare already has a list of more than 3,000 people who have been assisted?” the source questioned.
When called for a comment Masvingo Provincial Social Welfare Director Stanislaus Sanyangore said he will respond after approval from responsible authority.
“I cannot reply your questions right away send them on email, and I will give my response after getting the greenlight from my superiors,” said Sanyangore.
He had not responded to the questions by the time of posting the story.
Residents have also taken to social media to express frustration over the distribution of donated goods, with some questioning why affected families were still waiting for assistance.
One Facebook user, Letwin Matiza, questioned the purpose of the donations, writing in Shona: “Dai muchirega henyu donation dzacho apana kana chatiri kupiwa, kushaya kuti zvikuendepi.”
Another user, Ruby Kays, expressed mockery over the whereabouts of the donated goods, and said “Haaa apa ndofunga zvikungoiswa kuwarehouse yeumwe munhu bcz hatizvioni kuti zvikuenda nepi”
Masvingo District Development Coordinator, Joyce Chikugu said her office had not received any complaints regarding the distribution of hailstorm relief food, urging residents with concerns to approach her office directly.
“We haven’t received any complaints. Why are they complaining to you or social media? Who are you? Those who have queries should visit my office,” Chikugu told The Midweek Watch.
She said she did not have information on the progress of the relief distribution, referring this reporter to the Ministry of Information for details on the people who had received assistance.
“On progress, I do not have the information. It is not my job. Go to the Ministry of Information,” she said.
The DDC’s office has been coordinating the registration of households and public utilities affected by the severe hailstorms in the district, placing its role at the centre of questions surrounding beneficiary identification and relief coordination.
Efforts to get a comment form Information Ministry were unsuccessful as the incumbent, Rodgers Irimayi has just been moved to the Public Service Commission as the new Manager Communications and Advocacy and will be based in Harare with effect from November 1, 2026.
His replacement had not been announced by the time of posting the story.
A further comment by V Mussolini Makuku questioned whether Masvingo residents were benefiting from the distribution, writing: “Zvikupiwa ani Masvingo Res hakuna chikuuy[a],” suggesting that people in Masvingo were not getting the assistance arrive.
In another comment shared with The Midweek Watch, a social media user alleged that some people had arrived at a hall only to be told that the supplies had run out, with the remaining allocation reportedly reserved for Ward 6. The same commenter alleged that those distributing the goods were inviting their relatives.
The allegations come as relief efforts continue following the hailstorm that struck Masvingo on October 5, damaging homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
About 13 500 households, with an estimated 67 500 people were left requiring assistance, prompting the Government and private sector organisations to mobilise food, shelter and other essential supplies.
With donations coming from various stakeholders, residents’ concerns have highlighted the need for clear beneficiary selection criteria, accurate records and transparent reporting on the distribution of relief supplies.
