Bulawayo Polytechnic faces backlash over eviction notices at Rio Tinto flats

Tenants at the Bulawayo Polytechnic-owned Rio Tinto Flats have raised alarm over alleged harassment and threats of eviction, accusing the institution of issuing notices without cause or consultation. The affected residents - many of whom are Polytechnic employees - have turned to ZANU PF Mpopoma-Mzilikazi shadow legislator Dzingai Kamamba for intervention.

Kamamba confirmed to this publication that he has been engaging the Polytechnic over the matter for the past two years.

"There has been a fight for over two years. Last year, I intervened. I wrote to the Polytechnic last year and this year. The Poly did not respond. This whole issue started when the principal saw the regalia of President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the wash line at the flats," Kamamba said.

"She shouted, 'I will remove all of you from here for participating in ZANU PF whilst in government.' Second, when I facilitated the repair of the roof, she was bitter that they involved ZANU PF MPs."

In a letter dated May 14, 2025, Kamamba wrote to the principal expressing concern over the eviction notices, which he said were issued without engaging the tenants or assessing their welfare.

"They expected a renewal of their leases as their situation on accommodation remains the same — desperate. Last time I had to personally, with the assistance of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, assist in the repairs of the blown-off roof, all in the effort to make sure they were safe from rains. That’s caring for the welfare of humanity," Kamamba wrote.

He reminded the institution of its responsibility to support low-grade employees, especially regarding housing.

"There may be other reasons for wanting to remove these employees, but it is known from years back that Rio Hostels became unsuitable for students due to their proximity to free community in high-density and noisy areas, and uncontrolled vices by students which caused rifts between the college and the community."

Kamamba urged the principal to consider renewing the leases until the tenants can secure alternative accommodation, and suggested applying for the Presidential Command Housing Scheme on behalf of the affected staff.

"For your own information, we in the ZANU PF Party have always maintained cordial relationships with all government institutions including yours, especially with your previous administration. We wish to move in the same path with your administration even if there are so many allegations of nepotism in the way people are employed and allocated housing quarters. Still, we have to move in the right direction and build bridges and avoid some nutsy confrontations."

"It is my hope and trust that this matter be dealt with humanly."

The letter was copied to Minister of State for Bulawayo Judith Ncube and Bulawayo ZANU PF Chairman Jabulani Sibanda.

In a separate letter dated January 15, 2025, Kamamba had previously raised concerns about the damaged roof at the hostels following a hailstorm. He said residents had reported the issue to authorities but received no response, prompting him to escalate the matter to Minister Ncube, who facilitated the delivery of repair materials.

Kamamba said the same residents later complained of victimisation for having reported the damage to ZANU PF representatives.

"It is therefore unfortunate that the institution comes up with these notices of vacation in the form of institutional developments, disregarding the terms in the lease agreements and also not taking into account the circumstances that led to them being allocated these hostels in the first place. It is their view that the institution finds them alternative accommodation to move into or reconsider the issued notices."

The college principal is yet to respond to the letters.