Tinotenda Hove – ZANU-PF National Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has come under fire after telling party members that grassroots structures are the answer to the party’s problems, as citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship.

Addressing a cell meeting in Ward 24, Mutasa Central, on Saturday, Muchinguri-Kashiri “underscored the critical role grassroots structures play in strengthening and consolidating the ruling party’s foundation”.

Critics said the message ignored the daily struggles facing ordinary Zimbabweans. “This speech is totally divorced from the reality of suffering citizens,” one Ward 24 resident said. “People are talking about food, jobs and collapsing services, not cell meetings.”

The National Chairperson made the remarks during a routine engagement with party cadres in her constituency.