More farmers in Masangula are facing eviction as plans for a large-scale sugarcane plantation in Mwenezi District continue to expand, raising growing concern over livelihoods, displacement, and compensation.
At least 1 500 villagers from the Masangula JB Ranch area have reportedly been earmarked for relocation to pave the way for the proposed project by Zambezi Plantation Company. Affected farmers say the process has been marked by uncertainty and inadequate support.
Madzibaba Peter Dhawana of Chakala village under Chief Chitanga in Mwenezi East Constituency is among those at risk of losing significant investments.
“I cannot accept losing more than US$100 000 worth of investment on my land,” Dhawana said.
“I constructed a dam, built fish ponds, and installed a solar-powered borehole with an irrigation system.
“I have more than 140 goats, over 20 sheep, and about 400 chickens. I am also growing watermelons and sunflowers.
“Starting over on uncleared land is not realistic, they are giving us four hectares of bush in Chingwizi.”
Villagers claim they have not been offered meaningful compensation.
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“We were told we would get only a few bags of cement and some roofing sheets. How can that replace homes and investments built over many years?” said another resident.
Many residents say they have lived in Masangula for decades and consider the land part of their ancestral heritage.
Officials, however, maintain that the land belongs to the Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ), placing the matter outside direct government responsibility.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary, Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the land was not state land as it belonged to DTZ.
“The affected individuals are occupying land owned by DTZ, not state land,” Pazvakavambwa said.
“This makes it a matter that does not fall directly under government jurisdiction.”
Efforts to obtain comment from the DTZ and Zambezi Plantation Company were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The situation in Masangula forms part of a broader wave of relocations linked to expanding commercial sugarcane production in Masvingo province, reportedly involving private sector investment partners.
Other affected areas include Lundi Farm, Magudu Ranch, Mtirikwi Farm, and Chiumburu Farm, where land clearing is already underway in preparation for the project.
Ward 13 councillor Zacharia Ndavani confirmed the development.
“I cannot comment on the issue, but what I can say is there is a programme in Mwenezi East to evict people in Masangula village along Runde River,” Ndavani said.
Nine investors were given the area by the government and so far Mr Mupereri of Zambezi Company who wants to grow oranges, sugarcane is the one evicting people.
“The issue has long been spoken about by the Ministry of Lands, DA and they are the ones who can give you more information,” Ndavani said.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira said his office will look into the matter.
“The issues have not been reported to my office but we will look into it. Forced eviction is not acceptable in this country and I do not think the government can do such,” Chadzamira said.
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (Cotrad) condemned the eviction plans, citing concerns over forced displacement and potential violence.
“This action is a flagrant violation of human rights and has drawn widespread condemnation from local and international human rights organisations,” Cotrad said.
“The Company Zambezi and Mwenezi Rural District Council (RDC) must adhere to Section 74 of the Zimbabwe Constitution, which guarantees freedom from arbitrary eviction.
“This section clearly states that no individual can be evicted from their home or have their home demolished without a court order.
“By respecting this provision, the Zambezi and Mwenezi RDC will uphold individuals’ rights to housing and security, fostering a just and lawful approach to property rights.
“This incident is not an isolated occurrence, but rather part of a troubling trend in Zimbabwe, where forced evictions have previously resulted in the displacement of thousands.
“The government must be held accountable for its actions and its historical negligence regarding land rights and human dignity.”
