Bindura North Ward 2 Report on RAN Mine evictions

In my capacity as the councillor of ward 2 , Bindura town council I held a meeting with residents of Ran Mine compound. The agenda was on the letters of eviction that have been given to families of mine workers to vacate the compound by the 31st of December 2018.

The workers have been employed at this mine for over twenty years and have outstanding salaries that date back to 1999.

A few Misguided elements and 3 ZRP uniformed police distributed letters of eviction forcing ran mine residents to sign forms agreeing to the eviction.

After receiving numerous calls I organised a meeting which was attended by 465 people (based on the number of signatures appended to the petition against the evictions).

At the meeting we resolved that the company must first pay all outstanding salaries to workers before evicting them, provide a descent alternative place for relocation considering that these workers have spend all their lives at the compound, properly follow the law in all their processes. All communications shall be done through the councillor and feedback meetings shall be held on weekly basis.

As the councillor for all in this ward, I represent all citizens despite political affiliation and also hope that the Member of Parliament for Bindura North(Kenneth Musanhu) also comes on board to defend the welfare of these workers and protect their wellbeing from abuse by the capitalist mine owners. I also want to guarantee the ran mine that they should not live in fear as we are about to take this case to the courts,victory is certain.

Ian Makone (Bindura North Ward 2 councillor)