Brilliant Mukaro
BIKITA – The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), in partnership with the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), last week organised a workshop in Ward 13 to help villagers get an understanding of their constitutionally-enshrined rights as well as to give them free legal advice.
The event came at the backdrop of disputes between villagers and the Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) which is accused of unilaterally pegging large chunks of the communal area for the extension of Nyika growth point.
The villagers, most of whom oppose what they consider as blatant confiscation of their ancestral heritage, were enlightened on how to handle such cases before the courts.
There were discussions on such critical freedoms as women’s rights, inheritance matters, freedom of expression and political rights.
Samuel Kufakunesu, who is headman Kufakunesu, applauded the CCJP and the ZLHR for their dedication to the development of a more knowledgeable society.
“I thank CCJP and ZLHR for the commendable work that they did for the people here. As poor peasants, we often lack resources and information on how to handle legal matters and defend our rights against violation by powerful authorities.
“We often get politicians flagrantly violating our rights because they are confident that their victims are nothing but ignorant villagers. It is my sincere hope that interfaces of this nature will continue for the sake of a more informed society,” said Kufakunesu.
CCJP has a close relationship with the Kufakunesu area where it has helped to develop many initiatives that include a community garden and bee project.local
