By A Correspondent

Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is in the process of evicting residents from Chemberi, a neighborhood in Mashava, where the university’s campus hostels are located.

The eviction is part of the university’s plan to expand its hostel facilities.

However, the move has sparked significant controversy, as many of these residents are still awaiting compensation from their former employer, Shabanie-Mashava Mines (SMM) Holdings.

Shabanie-Mashava Mines, which ceased operations several years ago, had allowed these residents to remain in the houses as compensation for their unpaid salaries.

The agreement was intended to provide some form of restitution for the delayed wages, with a promise to settle these debts in the future.

In December 2012, SMM leased its Mashava properties, including those in Chemberi, to Great Zimbabwe University.

The eviction notices have left many residents in distress. “We have been living here for years with the understanding that it was part of our compensation for the unpaid salaries,” said Thandeka Ncube, a resident of Chemberi.

“Now, we are being told to leave without any resolution to our financial issues with SMM.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the situation: “We were promised that the properties we live in were our compensation.

Now the university is expanding, and we are being forced out without any alternative arrangements or support. It’s deeply unfair.”

Great Zimbabwe University is yet to unveil plans to support the displaced residents.