Tinashe Sambiri|Pressure groups and church organizations are deeply concerned about the victimization of Shangaan people by the Zanu PF administration.
In a postion paper released last week, MACRAD Trust challenged the eviction of Chilonga villagers by Zanu PF.
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( Masvingo Province) has implored churches and Non Governmental Organizations to fight for the rights of Chilonga villagers.
See statement below:
People Of Masvingo People Are United In Defending Their Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources
04 March 2021
As Masvingo MDC A Youth Assembly ,we are the residents of the province and our brothers,sisters and parents are the genuine occupants of Chilonga area.
We therefore stand firm with the people of Chilonga-we one and the same. We condemn the violation of the villagers’ right to dignity,their livelihoods ,cultural practices, land rights and indigenous knowledge systems.
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime should be sensitive to the needs of the poor and implement policies that put the people first.
We note with concern oppression of minority groups in the country.
The Zanu pf regime has ignored the plight of the people of Chiredzi North and South.
Not sparing the zero developmental policies in areas like Mwenezi where the Shangaan and the Pfumbi minority groups hail from. In its effort to achieve their exploitative policies the Zanu pf regime has always resorted to politicization of the Traditional leadership.
We applaud the Local Traditional leaders for standing firm and protecting their traditional and cultural values and natural treasures in their local land.
Whose agenda and for whose benefit do they want to sacrifice shifting such a large number of villagers from their land?
In the MDCA policy blueprint the respect and uplifting of minority groups is clear and the respect for a bottom up approach to implementation of policies is critical.
Zanu pf regime has no clue or plan to address the problems of these groups.
As MDCA under the caring hands of Advocate Nelson Chamisa ,we are willing to join hands with all groups Civic Society, Churches, traditional leaders and cultural pressure groups in speaking with one voice against this victimization of the Chilonga people.
Timoth Muswere
MDCA Masvingo Youth Assembly Spokesperson
