#BoycottDendairy trends on social media in an attempt to save Chilonga farmers
Zimbabweans are trying to save 12500 Chilonga families by making the #BoycottDendairy trend on social media. Reports suggest that the President of Zimbabwe has granted a white farmer from Midlands Chilonga area for a grass project. The grass is meant for dairy cattle which are the primary producers for Dendairy products.
However, this means that Chilonga residents will be evacuated from their land. Taking to twitter protesters are airing their views saying,
“#SaveChilonga #BoycottDendairy We stand with the people of Chilonga. We condemn the violation of the villagers’ right to dignity, their livelihoods, cultural practices, land rights, indigenous knowledge systems. Mnangagwa’s regime should implement policies that put people first. ”
“If we allow Government and Dendairy to evict the 12 000 people mostly Shangaaan without proper accommodations or compensation . We have failed the call of the liberation struggle and now reliving Rhodesia. #BoycottDendairy. If Government wants the project to happen, its either they allow the people to grow the grass and sell it to Dendairy or the eviction should come with satisfying compensation. We can’t keep doing the same mistakes and creating bitterness amongst people. This goes beyond Politics… Party A or Party B … you don’t deserve to be mistreated as far as being evicted from your Home with knowing what is next for you where to go. NO its not right.”
#BoycottDendairy trends on social media in an attempt to save Chilonga farmers
On the other hand, government says it has identified land to compensate the Chilonga people with. During an interview the Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Chadzamira brings clarity on the details around the implementation of the Lucerne Project in Chiredzi.
“Government engaged the chiefs, the headmen and all other stakeholders and they understood. The Policy is clear. The intention bona-fide. The implementation will be pro-people,” he says.