SANYATI – Chipo Nyamuziwa, a 42-year-old widow from Ward 13, village 19, in Sanyati rural, has been a victim of suspected abuse in land allocation. Despite being allocated two plots by the village development committee (Vidco) in 2020, she was evicted without valid reasons and her property was demolished.
By Nhau Mangirazi
Nyamuziwa, a mother of six, has been battling to regain her lost plot, but her efforts have been in vain. She believes she is a victim of abuse by the male-dominated committee, and her status as a widow and orphan has made her vulnerable.
“I am appealing to the government to investigate land allocation presided over by Vidcos in some areas, including Sanyati,” she said, tears streaming down her face. (See video on link below)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hO9pCbep7lQ0f9WsDwoDcVaqA5fjnZ76/view?usp=drivesdk
The area is part of Sanyati Agricultural Rural Development Association (Arda), where land meant for pastures has been allocated to some villagers, allegedly in exchange for cash and cattle. Several villagers have confirmed that the land scandal in Sanyati is getting out of hand, with many being forced to pay bribes to get a plot.
Nyamuziwa also alleged that women and the elderly have been sidelined from getting government free inputs under the Pfumvudza program. “Whenever free inputs are distributed, widows and the elderly are not considered. Some top villagers get the inputs in bulk for their families while others are denied a fair share,” she said.
Another villager, Mercy Rori, bemoaned the ‘land scandal’ after her son was denied a plot. “My son is now married and had planned to move out from our village, but he was denied the chance. No explanation has been offered why the Vidco denied him the chance for a plot for him and his own family,” she said. (See video on link below)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hVE9ONughGELkOn4neknC4hdmeqaiBIj/view?usp=drivesdk
The area lacks access to water, affecting the wellbeing of girls and women who fetch water from long distances. “Water access is affecting those settled in village 19 and 20 after a dam burst few years ago and has not been repaired,” Nyamuziwa added.
Local councilor Lawrence Wadesango, claimed he was still yet to receive any complaints over land allocation abuses in village 19.
However, Mashonaland West Proportional Representative, Mutsa Murombedzi, acknowledged that women in rural Zimbabwe, including Sanyati, face significant challenges in land allocation due to deep-rooted customary practices and gender discrimination.
Murombedzi emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address these issues, including legal enforcement, community dialogues, and awareness campaigns to challenge discriminatory norms and practices. She also called for transparent land administration and inclusive decision-making committees involving women.
Nyamuziwa’s story highlights the struggles of many women in rural Zimbabwe who face abuse and discrimination in land allocation. Her plea for help is a call to action for the government and relevant authorities to investigate and address the land scandal in Sanyati and other areas.
