Zanu PF conference centre built on stolen land
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
November 30, 2012 in News
ZANU PF’s controversial US$6,5 million conference facility –– dubbed the
“Hall of Shame” ––being built in Gweru ahead of the party’s annual
conference next week is reportedly being constructed on stolen farmland with
the evicted owner set to take legal action.
Report by Elias Mambo
Impeccable sources close to the developments said an indigenous farmer
bought Bertram Winery farm after its previous white owner, who was the sole
producer of Green Valley wine, moved to South Africa in 2000 at the height
of the country’s violent land seizures.
The sources say the current owner, who works at a financial services firm in
Harare, entered into a viable partnership with another dispossessed white
farmer so they could continue cultivating grapes.
They said the partners invested US$50 000 to refurbish the property and
acquire farming implements in preparation for the agricultural season.
However, on March 13 this year the indigenous farmer’s partner and his
family were given 24 hours to vacate the farm after Zanu PF identified it as
a site for the construction of its 5 000-seater conference centre.
Investigations by the Zimbabwe Independent revealed Zanu PF sent its youth
militia to order the white family to vacate the land immediately or face the
consequences. Zanu PF acting treasurer Didymus Mutasa could neither confirm
nor deny the land grab, saying the party is not directly involved in the
project, and referred questions to Midlands province.
The conference hall has been at the centre of controversy within Zanu PF
with politburo hardliners opposing Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa’s
role in spearheading it because he allegedly harbours ambitions of
succeeding President Robert Mugabe.