News / Local
Mnangagwa's white ally in land grab scandal?
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly behind the imminent eviction of a number of productive indigenous farmers, including war veterans and the reigning young farmer of the year from Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province. The land in question is being cleared to make way for a controversial urban development project by Mnangagwa's close business associate, multi-millionaire tycoon Muller Conrad "Billy" Rautenbach.
Sources within the government and among the affected farmers have confirmed that Mnangagwa is giving his full support to Rautenbach's land grab, which will disrupt farming activities at Springs Farm - one of the most productive agricultural sites in the region. Farmers, some of whom have been involved in the land since the early 2000s, now face the uncertainty of eviction to make way for Rautenbach's planned urban development.
The situation underscores broader concerns about land tenure insecurity under Zimbabwe's chaotic land reform program, which began in 2000, and highlights the ongoing challenges regarding property rights, due process, and the protection of investment in Zimbabwe.
Rautenbach, a well-known businessman with interests spanning mining, transport, agriculture, energy, and real estate, is widely regarded as a powerful figure in Zimbabwe's business and political landscapes. His longstanding ties to Mnangagwa, which date back to the late 1990s, have raised suspicions of cronyism, particularly given his controversial history and significant influence in Zimbabwe's economic sectors. Despite setbacks in neighboring countries, Rautenbach's business operations have maintained a strong presence in Zimbabwe, with his influence cemented by high-profile business deals and policy agreements, such as his ethanol fuel blending joint venture with the government.
The farmers at Springs Farm, who have been involved in various productive agricultural activities, including horticulture, wheat, maize, and livestock, say they were initially blindsided by government inquiries into their farming activities in 2023. These inquiries, they believed, were routine government checks. However, suspicions grew as these calls increased in frequency and intensity. When they eventually sought clarification from government officials, they were told the land was being handed over to Rautenbach.
Among the farmers affected are Joseph Macheka, a Zanu PF Central Committee member, war veterans like Alfred Chademana and Mangisai Katsande, and top young farmer Uniko Chikomo, who was recently recognized at the National Excellence, Pacesetters, and Young Farmers Awards for his exceptional work. Chikomo, who won both the Overall Pacesetter of the Year and Young Horticulture Farmer of the Year awards, now faces the possibility of eviction from the farm he has worked hard to develop.
In interviews with The NewsHawks, farmers expressed their frustration with the government's handling of the situation. Despite approaching War Veterans Minister Monica Mavhunga for assistance, they found little support, as she, too, was reportedly unable to overrule the President's decision. The farmers have since sought to meet Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga in a last-ditch effort to salvage their livelihoods.
Lands Minister Anxious Masuka has also been implicated in the dispute. After months of dodging meetings with the farmers, he finally acknowledged that the land was being reallocated to Rautenbach based on direct orders from Mnangagwa. The farmers expressed disbelief, as Mnangagwa had previously assured war veterans that they would not be displaced from their farms. This contradictory stance has left many feeling betrayed by the government.
Rautenbach, when contacted for comment, declined to provide any details on his development plans, directing inquiries to the Ministry of Lands, which has offered little transparency on the matter. The affected farmers, meanwhile, have questioned the legality of the government's actions, arguing that the move to evict them is a breach of their contracts and investments.
A formal letter of complaint was submitted to Mavhunga, accusing both Masuka and Rautenbach of corruption. The farmers highlighted their long-standing contributions to Zimbabwe's agriculture, including joint ventures with investors and banks, and investments in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, livestock, and farm equipment. They expressed concerns about how such actions would damage the country's reputation among international investors.
The controversy surrounding the dispute has not only raised alarms about land security and investment protection in Zimbabwe but has also shed light on the ongoing issue of political and business elites exploiting government power to further their own interests. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the future of land reform in Zimbabwe and the protection of indigenous farmers who have invested heavily in the agricultural sector.
Rautenbach's involvement in the land dispute is part of a larger pattern of his business dealings, which have included a history of controversies and legal battles, both in Zimbabwe and abroad. His connections to the late former President Robert Mugabe's regime and Mnangagwa have long been scrutinized, particularly following his role in financing Zanu PF's violent 2008 election campaign.
As tensions mount over the Springs Farm dispute, the cronyism at play and the lack of due process in this land reallocation are raising serious concerns about the future of property rights and investment climate in Zimbabwe. With powerful figures like Rautenbach and Mnangagwa at the helm, the situation appears to be an all-too-familiar story of political patronage undermining the rights and livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Sources within the government and among the affected farmers have confirmed that Mnangagwa is giving his full support to Rautenbach's land grab, which will disrupt farming activities at Springs Farm - one of the most productive agricultural sites in the region. Farmers, some of whom have been involved in the land since the early 2000s, now face the uncertainty of eviction to make way for Rautenbach's planned urban development.
The situation underscores broader concerns about land tenure insecurity under Zimbabwe's chaotic land reform program, which began in 2000, and highlights the ongoing challenges regarding property rights, due process, and the protection of investment in Zimbabwe.
Rautenbach, a well-known businessman with interests spanning mining, transport, agriculture, energy, and real estate, is widely regarded as a powerful figure in Zimbabwe's business and political landscapes. His longstanding ties to Mnangagwa, which date back to the late 1990s, have raised suspicions of cronyism, particularly given his controversial history and significant influence in Zimbabwe's economic sectors. Despite setbacks in neighboring countries, Rautenbach's business operations have maintained a strong presence in Zimbabwe, with his influence cemented by high-profile business deals and policy agreements, such as his ethanol fuel blending joint venture with the government.
The farmers at Springs Farm, who have been involved in various productive agricultural activities, including horticulture, wheat, maize, and livestock, say they were initially blindsided by government inquiries into their farming activities in 2023. These inquiries, they believed, were routine government checks. However, suspicions grew as these calls increased in frequency and intensity. When they eventually sought clarification from government officials, they were told the land was being handed over to Rautenbach.
Among the farmers affected are Joseph Macheka, a Zanu PF Central Committee member, war veterans like Alfred Chademana and Mangisai Katsande, and top young farmer Uniko Chikomo, who was recently recognized at the National Excellence, Pacesetters, and Young Farmers Awards for his exceptional work. Chikomo, who won both the Overall Pacesetter of the Year and Young Horticulture Farmer of the Year awards, now faces the possibility of eviction from the farm he has worked hard to develop.
In interviews with The NewsHawks, farmers expressed their frustration with the government's handling of the situation. Despite approaching War Veterans Minister Monica Mavhunga for assistance, they found little support, as she, too, was reportedly unable to overrule the President's decision. The farmers have since sought to meet Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga in a last-ditch effort to salvage their livelihoods.
Lands Minister Anxious Masuka has also been implicated in the dispute. After months of dodging meetings with the farmers, he finally acknowledged that the land was being reallocated to Rautenbach based on direct orders from Mnangagwa. The farmers expressed disbelief, as Mnangagwa had previously assured war veterans that they would not be displaced from their farms. This contradictory stance has left many feeling betrayed by the government.
Rautenbach, when contacted for comment, declined to provide any details on his development plans, directing inquiries to the Ministry of Lands, which has offered little transparency on the matter. The affected farmers, meanwhile, have questioned the legality of the government's actions, arguing that the move to evict them is a breach of their contracts and investments.
A formal letter of complaint was submitted to Mavhunga, accusing both Masuka and Rautenbach of corruption. The farmers highlighted their long-standing contributions to Zimbabwe's agriculture, including joint ventures with investors and banks, and investments in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, livestock, and farm equipment. They expressed concerns about how such actions would damage the country's reputation among international investors.
The controversy surrounding the dispute has not only raised alarms about land security and investment protection in Zimbabwe but has also shed light on the ongoing issue of political and business elites exploiting government power to further their own interests. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the future of land reform in Zimbabwe and the protection of indigenous farmers who have invested heavily in the agricultural sector.
Rautenbach's involvement in the land dispute is part of a larger pattern of his business dealings, which have included a history of controversies and legal battles, both in Zimbabwe and abroad. His connections to the late former President Robert Mugabe's regime and Mnangagwa have long been scrutinized, particularly following his role in financing Zanu PF's violent 2008 election campaign.
As tensions mount over the Springs Farm dispute, the cronyism at play and the lack of due process in this land reallocation are raising serious concerns about the future of property rights and investment climate in Zimbabwe. With powerful figures like Rautenbach and Mnangagwa at the helm, the situation appears to be an all-too-familiar story of political patronage undermining the rights and livelihoods of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Source - online
