Govt opening “people’s shops” to control food ahead of elections

By Tererai Karimakwenda
January 29, 2008

The state run newspaper The Herald reported on Tuesday that the Zimbabwean Ministry of Industry and International Trade will open what they are calling "people's shops" countrywide after the Cabinet last week approved the concept. The report quoted the Minister of Industry and International Trade Obert Mpofu as saying the shops would open within the next 40 days and be under the Zimbabwe Development Corporation (ZDC). This is the same government agency that has been charged with prosecuting businesses accused of flouting price control regulations.

The opening of these shops just weeks away from a crucial poll in the country has already raised eyebrows. The Herald quotes Minister Mpofu as saying: "The people's shops will provide basic commodities aimed at the very low-income earners and disadvantaged groups. The economy is facing many challenges but it is our belief that the disadvantaged and less-privileged community should access basic commodities.”

Mpofu drew criticism from observers who see the idea as a blatant attempt by ZANU-PF to control the distribution of food and basic commodities ahead of the elections in March. The politicisation of food by the ruling party just before elections has been reported frequently over the years.

Just two weeks ago we reported that the ruling party was accused of manipulating aid donated for flood victims and using the distribution centres to campaign for the March elections. Senior party leaders dispatched to the affected areas were holding impromptu rallies and telling desperate villagers the aid had come from Zanu PF.

The election is 59 days from Tuesday. The shops are due to open in 40 days. That means the shops will have 19 days to operate before the polling date. It remains to be seen whether “low-income earning” opposition supporters will benefit from these “people’s shops”.