ZIMBABWE- farm workers bear the brunt of invasions

By tapiwaz Submitted on 1 April, 2009 - 11:15

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The General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) notes with concern the rising incidents of farm disturbances across the country.
The disturbances, which have seen many farm workers being kicked out of their homes, are a complete disregard of the farm workers rights to continue living at a farm when new employers take over.
More so, these incidents, in which farm workers and their families face unjustified harassment, are also an infringement of the basic human rights as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution and the United Nations Charter.
GAPWUZ can record that over 1 500 families have been affected by the current disturbances with many of them being evicted from their homes and others losing employment at the farms, which is their source of income.

The evictions have had a snowball effect on the livelihood of these families many of which have no other home except the farm villages.

The children of the affected families are failing to go to school, the sick cannot access medical help and a considerable number has lost their hard earned property.
We therefore call upon the government to quickly put measures that will ensure the discontinuation of these chaotic farm takeovers and possibly pave way for a smooth transition between farmers.
A smooth transition will, with no doubt, ensure respect for the farm workers rights.
We also urge the government through the Labour and Land Ministries to quickly formulate a worker friendly policy that will guide outgoing and incoming farmers during the process of changing hands.
Let us all remember that for Zimbabwe to be the breadbasket of Africa; it all comes from the hard work of the farm labourer, who with his bare hands can provide for the nation. So, harassing the labourer will surely not augur well for our economy.

Mash-west (Chegutu District)

Name of Farm    Invader    No of workers
New March    War vet Chigwada    100
Twyford    Jamaya    200
Etheredge    E. Madzongwe    400
Windram    C.I.O    40
Mazowe Citrus    MP Zinyemba ,Mr Kunaka    400
K.B Estate    War vet    300
Dodhill    War Vet    200
T. I Beattie    Masiiwa RBZ employee    200
Downs     Chasauka ZPF    60

Masvingo        
Quarter Perk/ta Swart Fontein    Major Mudavanhu    12 served with an eviction order
Bolland     Governer Chiwewe    20

In extreme cases, some employers are resorting to corporal punishment to discipline farm workers who are accused of allegations ranging from theft, sexual harassment, absenteeism and late arrival at work.

Gross human violation.

The following officers and workers are among others who have been beaten threatened, intimidated during the course of their duties.

1.    Gertrude Hambira
2.    Juliet Sithole
3.    Shungu Mateesanwa
4.    Joyce Muwoni
5.    Mavis Satiya
6.    Rixon Qoma
7.    Edward Dzeka
8.    Samson Sithole
9.    Luck Ringoziva
10.    David Mutambirwa
11.    Denzel Zharare
12.    James Nyowani
13.    Simon Gubha
14.    Tapiwa Zivira
15.    Canaan Mutambe