Tinashe Sambiri|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has reversed the decision to evict thousands of Shangaan people from their ancestral land.

Government was pushing for the eviction of Chiredzi villagers to create space for a grass-growing project.

Pressure groups in Masvingo Province say government’s decision to reverse the eviction of Chiredzi villagers from their ancestral land is a victory for citizens.

Masvingo Center for Research Advocacy and Development (MACRAD) Director Ephraim Mtombeni said:

It’s a victory for the people of Chilonga and the Shangaan speaking people.

The people supported #savechilonga campaign and MACRAD launched a High Court application challenging the legality of the evictions.the government reversed the decision to evict the Shangaan speaking people to pave way for Dendairy to grow lucerne grass.

Despite the Zim government bureaucrats acknowledging their obligation to protect all citizens, they are yet to secure shelter for victims of forced displacements.

The absence of political will by the government in respecting the minority social groups is driving them to ignore the calls by constitution and international legislatives.

The government should properly plan the destination of the affected people prior to enforcement of evictions.”