Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Online Reporter
Zanu-PF’s District Coordinating Committee (DCC 6) has challenged the City of Harare over its planned eviction of Rugare Granite Works operators, warning that nearly 900 families could lose their livelihoods if the move proceeds.
The dispute centres on the city’s decision to evict operators working along Harare Drive. According to Zanu-PF DCC 6, the operators do not have permanent structures on the site and lease the land directly from the City of Harare.
The committee questioned the basis of the proposed evictions, saying it was contradictory for the council to describe the occupation as illegal and hazardous while continuing to collect rent from the operators.
However, Southerton Ward 13 Councillor, Chipo Suka, recently told a business meeting with the operators that the council had indicated the demolitions were necessary.
She, however, declined to comment further, stating that the matter is still before the courts.
“If you want a comment, kindly reach out to the Housing Department of the Harare City Council. The Marketing Department in Mbare can also provide such information,” she said.
The council maintains that the occupation of the land along Harare Drive is illegal and poses safety concerns.
Zanu-PF DCC 6 has dismissed the planned eviction as unjustified, alleging it reflects deeper governance challenges, including corruption, neglect and misplaced priorities.
The dispute has now escalated beyond council chambers, drawing in Zanu‑PF DCC 6, which formally petitioned the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution to investigate what they described as “intended illegal eviction” of Rugare Granite Works.
In the letter dated July 21, 2026, DCC member Cde Andrew Makahamadze accused City of Harare officials of criminal abuse of office, questioning the authenticity of resolutions authorising the eviction, and warned that portraying the traders as illegal despite their payments to council was evidence of corruption.
Speaking to Zimpapers Zanu-PF DCC 6 Secretary for Business Development and Economic Development, Cde Andrew Makahamadze, said corruption within council structures has clouded the matter.
He said this matter leaves families vulnerable despite their compliance with payments to the council.
“Corruption is complicated and it makes people naive to think this eviction is straightforward. These operators are still remitting to council, yet they are treated as if they have no rights,” he said.
Rugare granite works have now sharpened into a test of visionary leadership, pitting local authority decisions against national commitments to protect small businesses and uplift families under Vision 2030 following the recent SMEs Inaugural.
Cde Makahamadze said the Southerton Ward 13 councillor’s push to remove Rugare granite operators directly challenges President Mnangagwa’s recent SME inaugural mandate to promote small businesses as part of Vision 2030’s drive toward an upper‑middle‑income society.
“This lady is not sympathetic to her voters and she is not a product of Vision 2030,” Cde Makahamadze declared.
“We are looking at almost 900 families downstream, close to 1,000 people who benefit from this work. If they are displaced, where will you put your heart? This is about human survival,” he said.
Cde Makahamadze criticised council for targeting small operators on temporary services while ignoring larger factories near emitting intensive exotic gases and dust.
“Before removing these people, the council should demolish the fully built factory across the road. It is unfair to block livelihoods while turning a blind eye to bigger players.”
He expressed disappointment in local leadership, saying councillors should protect communities rather than expose them to displacement.
“A councillor should be worthy of the title by safeguarding people, not being selfish. I am mandated to protect them — that is my role, and I will not abandon it.”
Receipts issued by the Harare City Council include receipt number 13708194 for US$3 330.00, 15457031 for US$1 319,92 and 15867825 for US$1 732,25, and prove that Rugare granite works operators were consistently paying rentals and service charges directly to council.
Rugare Granite Association chairperson Mr Caleb Mariga emphasised that granite works are not a small informal operation but a structured association of 94 companies employing 1 200 workers.
He said this structured small enterprise sector supports over 2 000 families and contributes US$4 250 per month to Harare City Council.
“The Government should promote us, as its members come to buy the granites that improve national dignity,” said Mr Mariga.
“As residents and voters, we are not happy, to be evicted is so much pain that we cannot afford.”
