Zanu-PF bigwigs resist withdrawal from Save Valley Conservancy

Top Zanu-PF politicians in Masvingo are reportedly resisting a Government directive to vacate Save Valley Conservancy, arguing that the withdrawal of their 25-year leases was being done along political lines.

Cabinet ordered the politicians off the property after the Zanu-PF Politburo accused them of taking advantage of land reforms to occupy several properties.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti and Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere have already met them over the matter.

The politicians include former Masvingo Governor and Resident Minister Titus Maluleke, Zanu-PF Central Committee member Shuvai Mahofa and Politburo member Nelson Mawema.

Others are former Chiredzi South legislator Ailess Baloyi and Ronald Ndaba, Chiredzi North's former parliamentary representative.

Baloyi said lease-holders believe they are being victimised while the "real bigwigs" continue holding onto multiple farms.

"We are going to sit down as members and lodge an appeal to the Government as we see it as mere victimisation. We are not even bigwigs as alleged. The bigwigs are benefiting. Why only the Save beneficiaries? We can see that this is only victimisation. The Government which empowered us is now withdrawing the leases. Some are still there; they are not being asked to move out."

Baloyi singled out Energy and Power Development Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire among the multiple property owners with a stake in wildlife conservancy. Minister Mavhaire, however, denied the allegations.

"I have refused to take that offer (of owning a conservancy); you can even ask Nhema (former Environment Minister). What I have in Masvingo is a farm which I bought in 1987 and, of course, I'm into Bikita Minerals.

"Tisu takatanga nezve indigenisation when everyone else was not thinking about it. Go to Mwenezi Rural District Council and check the beneficiaries. You can even check with the Minister of Environment; you will not see my name (there)."

Mahofa said she was yet to receive a withdrawal letter and referred further questions to Minister Bhasikiti, who, in turn, said Government still awaited any appeals.

He said all Save Valley Conservancy beneficiaries were expected to comply with the Government directive.

"We are yet to receive the appeals from the concerned members. But, if they want to appeal it is at their own discretion," he said.

"I don't see any logic in defiance because this is Government property. If it is really the Government which had given them offer letters, then it can withdraw them. Nobody should refuse. If they want to appeal, they can appeal while they are outside the conservancy."