The Trust, which has been working with Chipinge communities for a number of years, got the thumbs up to continue to speak on behalf of the community. Village heads said they had trust and belief in PYD as a leading youth organization in the district, and supported them fully in their quest for a lasting solution to the land dispute with Macdom.
“We reaffirm our trust in PYD to remain our representative in this matter,” said Wedzerai Gwenzi, a community leader. The move will set the stage for more encounters in the wake of Macdom’s libellous accusations that PYD asked for a bribe, which they refused.
Commenting on the mandate, PYD Director Claris Madhuku said he was passionate about development and would work hard to reach an amicable understanding between the two feuding parties.
Also responding to allegations by Macdom that he asked for a bribe from Macdom, Madhuku said development was a priority ahead of money. “I feel insulted by the Macdom management for belittling my nationalism, and I demand an official apology,” he said.
The matter is before the High Court as the community filed an interdict to stop the new investor from encroaching outside Arda boundaries onto their land.
Some villagers, disgruntled over the company’s hard stance, have since relocated to Mozambique in search of better land options than the promised single acre for a family. They say Macdom has taken away the bulk of their land. PYD is committed to work with the Chisumbanje community in amicably resolving this matter and will thus remain a trusted servant of the people. – Platform for Youth Development, platformtrust@gmail.com
Post published in: Zimbabwe News