How I stopped the seizure of Old Hararians Sports Club by corrupt council officials

When word reached me that the City of Harare intended to seize part of the Old Hararians Sports Club (OH) land, I knew I could not remain silent. As a proud former Prince Edward School boy, a lifelong supporter of sport and a firm believer in protecting community spaces, I understood that this was not just an attack on a club, but on the very heritage of Harare as a Province.

The OH grounds are not an idle piece of land. They are a vital hub for sport, community and youth development. Established under a proper lease agreement with the City of Harare, valid from September 2016 until September 2044, the club has every legal right to occupy and use the grounds. Yet, in blatant disregard of the law, corrupt municipal officials, including the current Mayor Jacob Mafume had sought to parcel out the land for questionable developments.

I immediately objected, making my position public in a letter carried by NewsDay under the headline: "Objection to illegal OH land seizure." In that statement, I reminded the City that leasehold property cannot simply be seized without due process, as this would contravene both the Urban and Regional Planning Act and the principles of natural justice.

This was not an isolated incident. The City of Harare had already attempted similar seizures at Sherwood Golf Club, Mount Pleasant Golf Club and Highlands Sport Club. This was clearly a disturbing trend, to erode community institutions through backdoor deals.

I was determined that OH would not suffer the same fate. I therefore appealed not only to fellow club members but to the highest offices in the land. I reported this corruption to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the Ministry of Local Government, the President's Office, Members of Parliament and other local councillors to intervene and put a stop to this blatant abuse of power.

The response was overwhelming. Members of the club and ordinary citizens alike rallied behind the cause. There was a recognition that this was about more than a sports facility, it was about protecting what belongs to the community from those who seek personal gain.

ZACC immediately got into action and arrested City of Harare estates manager Emmanuel Mutambirwa who had signed some of the illegal documents, faced with mounting scrutiny, the City of Harare had no choice but to retreat. The planned seizure was halted and the OH grounds remain intact to this day.

This victory was not mine alone, it belongs to everyone who stood against corruption and chose to defend what is right. It proves that when we raise our voices, when we demand accountability, change can happen.

But the battle is not over. We must remain vigilant. Corruption thrives in silence, and only constant pressure will protect our institutions from being plundered. The Old Hararians Sports Club stands today as a symbol not only of sport and camaraderie, but of the power of citizens to defend their heritage and what is right.

And as long as I have a voice, I will continue to speak out. 

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
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