This happened despite warnings by local health experts that
a fourth wave of the respiratory virus could hit the country during the
December festive season due to complacency and failure to observe World Health
Organisation-stipulated safety protocols.
Moyo succumbed to cancer at the Mater Dei Hospital in
Bulawayo last week. He was 76.
The Zanu PF spokesperson was buried at the national shrine
with thousands of Zanu PF supporters in attendance. The mourners were not observing social
distancing, while several of them were improperly wearing their masks.
Only the party leadership in the front seats were socially
distanced and had their face masks on.
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director
Itai Rusike said it was unfortunate that political parties were continuing to
disregard the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols at a time when a fourth wave of
the pandemic is looming.
Mnangagwa has been addressing rallies across the country
amid fears that they could be super spreaders of COVID-19.
His MDC Alliance counterpart Nelson Chamisa has also been
on a whirlwind tour of rural areas where he is meeting party supporters.
“It is very unfortunate that the leaderships of political
parties are disregarding the COVID-19 level two lockdown measures by addressing
public gatherings exceeding the requisite numbers allowed by the government,
thus putting their members and followers at risk of COVID-19 infection,” Rusike
said.
“These leaders should lead by example in observing WHO
recommended guidelines and government protocols on COVID-19, given that some
countries in Europe are currently battling an increase in new COVID-19 cases,
hospitalisation and deaths. Zimbabwe risks being overwhelmed by the fourth wave
of COVID-19 during this festive season if we continue with the current levels
of complacency and disregarding the physical distancing measures,” he said.
Rusike said there was need for political party leaders to
be on the forefront in encouraging their members to get vaccinated against the
virus.
“Instead, we expect to see the leadership of political
parties being at the forefront encouraging their members to get vaccinated so
that the country can reach the required 60% herd immunity after vaccinating at
least 10 million of the population.”
While there are concerns of complacency, the COVID-19 chief
co-ordinator in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Agnes Mahomva said as
government, they were trying to implement COVID-19 regulations.
“During the large gatherings, we encourage everyone to
social distance and observe COVID-19 regulations,” she said, insisting that
they were working with law enforcement agents to ensure adherence.
At Moyo’s burial, Zanu PF supporters failed to produce the
required COVID-19 certificates.
In his address, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the
country should be on high alert of more infections ahead of the festive season.
“As we approach the festive season, I call upon you, fellow
countrymen and women to continue complying with the WHO public health
protocols, guidelines and procedures for containing the COVID-19 pandemic. We
must never let our guard down,” he said, urging those yet to be vaccinated to
do so.
In his eulogy, Mnangagwa described Moyo as a diplomat par
excellence and a patriot who served with distinction in all assignments that he
was given.
“A cadre always available for deployment no matter the task
or duty, the late Cde SK Moyo was instrumental in demystifying the false and
negative narratives by detractors, against our great motherland, Zimbabwe.”
“He was patient and kind, he did not envy or boast, he was
not proud and did not dishonour others, neither was he self-seeking, he was not
easily angered. Those who had the privilege to know Cde SK Moyo will attest to
the fact that he did not delight in evil but rejoiced in the truth. He always
hoped and always persevered. In his
honour, let us as a nation, across all provinces, rise beyond misplaced
perceptions,” Mnangagwa said. Newsday
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