Zanu-PF DCC 6 Opposes Harare Council's Planned Eviction of Rugare Granite Operators
By Southerton Business Times | Harare
Zanu-PF's District Coordinating Committee (DCC 6) has intensified its opposition to the City of Harare's planned eviction of granite manufacturers operating at the Rugare Granite Works, warning that the move could destroy hundreds of jobs and jeopardise the livelihoods of nearly 900 families.
The latest development follows an earlier dispute reported by Southerton Business Times in April 2026, when Zanu-PF intervened to halt proposed evictions at the long-established "Pamatombo" granite site in Rugare, a hub that has supplied tombstones and granite products to Harare and surrounding communities for decades.
The dispute centres on operators working along Harare Drive, whom the City of Harare says are illegally occupying municipal land and posing safety risks. However, Zanu-PF DCC 6 argues that the operators lease the land directly from the local authority and have been consistently paying rentals and service charges, making the proposed evictions both unlawful and contradictory.
Zanu-PF Questions Council's Position
In a petition dated 21 July 2026 addressed to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Zanu-PF DCC 6 called for an investigation into what it described as the "intended illegal eviction" of Rugare Granite Works operators. The petition, signed by DCC Secretary for Business Development and Economic Development Cde Andrew Makahamadze, accuses some City of Harare officials of abuse of office and questions the legality of resolutions authorising the proposed demolitions.
Speaking to Southerton Business Times, Makahamadze said the council could not continue collecting rentals from operators while simultaneously describing them as illegal occupants.
"Corruption is complicated and it makes people naïve 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.
He added that the dispute had become a test of the Government's commitment to protecting small businesses under Vision 2030.
"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."
Rugare Granite Association chairperson Caleb Mariga said the industry has evolved into a structured small business sector rather than an informal operation. According to Mariga, the association comprises 94 registered companies employing approximately 1,200 workers, with the industry supporting more than 2,000 families. He said the businesses collectively contribute around US$4,250 every month to the City of Harare through rentals and service charges.
"The Government should promote us, as its members come to buy the granites that improve national dignity," Mariga said.
"As residents and voters, we are not happy. To be evicted is so much pain that we cannot afford."
The association also produced copies of City of Harare receipts, including payments of US$3,330, US$1,319.92 and US$1,732.25, which it says demonstrate continued compliance with council payment obligations.
Councillor Declines Further Comment
Southerton Ward 13 Councillor Chipo Suka, who recently met granite operators, confirmed that the City of Harare had indicated demolitions were necessary but declined to discuss the matter further because it is 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 City of Harare maintains that occupation of the land along Harare Drive is unlawful and presents safety concerns.
Debate Over SMEs and Vision 2030
Makahamadze criticised the council for targeting small-scale operators while, he alleged, larger industrial facilities in the area continue operating despite concerns over emissions and pollution.
"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 further argued that the planned evictions run contrary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of economic growth under Vision 2030.
The matter remains before the courts, and the City of Harare has not publicly commented on the specific allegations raised in Zanu-PF DCC 6's petition. The outcome of the legal proceedings is expected to determine the future of the Rugare Granite Works and the businesses operating there.
Rugare Granite Works eviction
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