MACRAD concerned on the Samba ranch evictions and threats to community rights

a young caucasian man with his hands in his head concerned because has just received an eviction notice

Reports that between 300 and 900 families could face displacement from land they have occupied for decades are extremely disturbing.

The reported attempts to compel villagers to vacate the area without a transparent, inclusive and meaningful consultation process raise serious questions about the protection of citizens’ rights and Zimbabwe’s constitutional commitment to accountable and participatory governance.

MACRAD is particularly concerned that community activists and grassroots civil society actors who are mobilising affected residents are facing intimidation and pressure.

The harassment or persecution of citizens simply for peacefully defending their land, livelihoods and constitutional rights is unacceptable.

The Samba Ranch situation must not become another case where communities are treated as obstacles to commercial interests rather than as rights-bearing citizens.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees fundamental rights that must be respected by the State and all public authorities.

Communities facing displacement must be given a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.
The reported existence of Certificates of Occupation held by some residents further underlines the need for authorities to clarify the legal status of the affected families and the land through a transparent and lawful process.

MACRAD rejects any approach in which communities are intimidated into silence while decisions concerning their homes, land and livelihoods are made behind closed doors.

Grassroots civil society organisations and community-based activists play a critical role in documenting rights violations, facilitating community participation and holding public authorities accountable.

They should not be criminalised, threatened or persecuted for performing these legitimate civic functions.

MACRAD calls upon government authorities, law-enforcement agencies and local administrative structures to ensure that community activists are protected from intimidation and that no person is victimised because of their peaceful participation in public affairs.

MACRAD calls for a credible, open and inclusive process in which every affected person can be heard hence our demand for an immediate suspension of any eviction process at Samba Ranch until
a comprehensive and independent assessment of the legal status and occupation history of the land has been conducted.

MACRAD continues to monitor the human rights situation in Chiredzi and we remain concerned over the safety of activists mobilising communities against ongoing evictions of the Shangaan community in Chilonga.