THE deployment of 254 Agricultural extension officers in Matabeleland South and North provinces, the majority of who are from outside the region has riled development practitioners and local activists.
The Public Service Commission confirmed the deployments in a notice dated September 5 and stamped September 6.
The notice was addressed to the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri.
It is titled: Re: Filling of 356 Agricultural Extension Officer posts: Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Directorate: Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Indications are that out of the 254 officers, 179 are not from the two Matabeleland provinces.
A development practitioner and also Rural Community Empowerment Trust board chairperson Thembelani Dube, said the statistics indicated a worrying trend.
“The picture is in direct contrast to the devolution mantra which seeks to equalise all regions in all aspects,” Dube said.
“The trend is also a clear indicator that Matabeleland as a region has inadequate vocational technical institutions hence the negatively skewed trends.”
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Public policy expert and analyst Samukele Hadebe, brought to the fore the unresolved question of systematic marginalisation.
“The dominance of non-locals over locals is overwhelming,” Hadebe said.
“Even a visitor from outside Zimbabwe can quickly notice the language of administration all over, be it in Beitbridge, Insiza or Umzingwane in Matabeleland South or in Nkayi, Hwange or Bubi in Matabeleland North it is the same.”
Hadebe said it would be disingenuous and insulting to suggest that the deployments are determined by qualifications.
“Are people here not going to schools and colleges? Such an explanation smacks of gross disrespect and outright discriminatory attitudes and tendencies,” Hadebe said.
“The government has a choice to ensure equal opportunities for all or it continues with this colonial type setup that will not have a happy ending at all.”
Retired educationist Ben Moyo said the government must ensure locals get first preference when job vacancies arise.
“Government must stick to its policy of deployment as per district of origin,” he said.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Lovemore Moyo, said this exposed the deliberate marginalisation of locals, inequality, and injustice against the so-called minority groups.
"This glaring act of discrimination is an indicator and a consequence of the character and form of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” Moyo said.
“What is more worrying and disturbing is the fact that these officers will be required to work in communities that he/she do not speak their language."
Moyo said the problem must also be traced to higher learning institutions and universities.
“This must stop forthwith in order to pave the way for unity, one Zimbabwe, and nation-building programmes and activities," Moyo said.
