ZELA Blogs

Compiled by Mutuso Dhliwayo -Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Introduction Zimbabwe is a country that is endowed with a significant mineral resource base, which has resulted in it being called the “ Persian Gulf of Minerals”.  The Zimbabwe Geological Survey of 1990 lists Zimbabwe as having no fewer than 66 base …

By Fadzai Lydia Midzi Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Introduction Mining communities in Zimbabwe mostly feel short-changed when it comes to benefiting from mining activities. This is a matter which goes beyond the social license to operate, a rights-based lens must be applied.  In terms of Section 13 (4) of the …

Compiled by Fadzai Lydia Midzi and Tafara Chiremba It is commendable to note that the State Owned Enterprise (SOE), Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has published its annual reports online for the years; 2016, 2017 and 2018[1]. Such a transparency step should also be adopted by other mining companies operating …

Compiled by George Gapu The conversation continues,check last week’s edition here N. Jain (supra) states that PIL is also important in that it achieves the democratization of access to justice in that wider sections of the population are able to access the courts to enforce their rights. This gives meaning …

Compiled by Mutuso Dhliwayo-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Background and Introduction The forestry sector is a very important in Zimbabwe’s economy. Among the services it provides are timber, fuelwood, wood for charcoal-making and crafts, fodder, fruit, honey, medicinal plants, mushrooms, insects, bark, leaves and poles. Forest land also provides valuable protection …

Compiled by George Gapu INTRODUCTION In terms of its founding documents, one of the primary objectives of ZELA is the promotion of environmental justice for disadvantaged communities[1]. Public interest litigation is one of the key strategies long identified as instrumental to achieve this objective. But what is Public Interest Litigation? …

By Paul Matshona-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association What is the MINAMATA Convention? The Minamata Convention is a legally binding instrument pushing towards mercury reduction and elimination[1]. Currently, the Convention has 128 signatures and 123 ratifications (including 50 African countries).[2] Zimbabwe signed the Convention on 11 October 2013 to curb mercury use. …

Strengths and Weaknesses of the KPCS in Zimbabwe Compiled by Shamiso Mtisi-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (KPCSC Coordinator) The story continues As noted elsewhere in this Chapter, the KPCS had a number of positive aspects it brought to Zimbabwe in its handling of the Marange issue.  The decision by the KPCS to …

The Key Players in the Marange and KPCS debate Compiled by Shamiso Mtisi-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (KPCSC Coordinator) The story continues The Marange diamonds circus attracted a lot of different characters and players. These ranged from the KPCS itself, government, civil society, state owned and private mining companies. The glitter and …

1. Who is Zela and what is the nature of your work in Zimbabwe? ZELA is a public interest environmental law group that seeks to promote environmental justice, good natural resources management and community benefits. We help communities, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders through research, legal education, litigation and …