Wave after Wave
JUNE 2021
4.2 Demolitions: Our Conclusion
The disjoint, policy inconsistency and corruption in government has become a major human rights
issue in Zimbabwe.
The current spate of demolitions and evictions, which are not happening for the first time, prove that
there is no clear policy direction in government because a number of the structures and houses that
are demolished are not entirely illegal.
Through political patronage, Zanu PF officials have overridden the role of councils and allocated
stands without the full involvement of city authorities. This has often resulted in houses being built on
land already allocated to others, or on wetlands and other unsuitable locations.
In some cases, corrupt council officials have allocated stands illegally and people have been given the
green light to construct operating spaces in undesignated areas.
One of the resident interviewed by NewZimbabwe.com said:
‘We do not have good administration in this country. If we had a government which was sympathetic
with the people, it could have at least provided an alternative source of income for us because you
cannot destroy people’s livelihoods without an option.’
The inconsistency and the conflation of government and the ruling party is evidenced by the
contradictions that happened during the June evictions.
On 29 June, The Herald reported that ‘Zanu PF’ had put a stop to the ongoing house demolitions
around the country after engaging the relevant Government ministries saying the ruling party values
the right to shelter.
Party Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu said “…the current wanton demolitions in urban and
peri-urban areas must stop forthwith while the processes to resolve the associated challenges are in
motion. An all stakeholders meeting will be convened soon to discuss similar matters in areas
affected”
It defies logic how the party, not government would order a stop to the demolitions, and in some way
it exposes the state-party conflation that has haunted Zimbabwe for decades.
Ironically, even after Mpofu’s pronouncements, demolitions continued in informal traders’ spaces,
which are the source of livelihoods for many.
We strongly urge government to keep to its supervisory role and not interfere in the operations of
local authorities.
Extreme interventions like demolitions should always be the last option after all engagement avenues
have been explored.
There should also be a clear line between the ruling party and government.