In a scathing critique, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has lambasted the Zimbabwean government’s handling of illegal land occupations, likening its approach to “Zionist” tactics amidst fears of a humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the 2005 demolitions. The union’s condemnation arises from a series of country-wide evictions that have displaced thousands of households in areas like Masvingo and Matabeleland South, where people have lived for decades, only to be later deemed illegal occupants.
According to a report by New Zimbabwe, Japhet Moyo, the ZCTU secretary-general, expressed grave concerns over the government’s disregard for human dignity, particularly highlighting the plight of women and children left homeless by the recent evictions. Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com, Moyo emphasized land as a fundamental right, criticizing the government for its abrupt shift in policy following the elections, a move that has left many informal settlements vulnerable.
The ZCTU’s warnings draw a parallel to Operation Murambatsvina of 2005, a period marked by widespread demolitions and evictions, suggesting that the current trajectory could lead the nation back into a similar dark chapter. The union stands against the perpetuation of exclusionary laws from the colonial era that continue to marginalize the poor, highlighting instances where villagers have been evicted from their ancestral lands to accommodate “investors” or due to the greed of influential individuals, colloquially known as ‘chefs.’
Furthermore, Moyo criticized the government for undermining the authority of traditional leaders who originally sanctioned these settlements, indicating a significant disconnect between government policies and grassroots realities. The secretary-general called for the government to acknowledge its mistakes in resettling villagers through traditional authorities and to recognize the political motivations behind the evictions, aimed at instilling fear within rural populations.
As the ZCTU urges the government to adopt a more humane and considerate approach to land disputes, the current situation underscores the complex interplay of politics, land rights, and human dignity in Zimbabwe, calling for urgent dialogue and action to prevent further hardship and displacement.
