Zimbabwean Farmers demand R7b, accuses South African govt of suspending SADC Tribunal

In a startling legal move, a group of former commercial farmers from Zimbabwe has initiated a lawsuit against the South African government, seeking a staggering R7 billion in compensation.

Their claim alleges that the South African government played a pivotal role in the suspension of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal, a move that severely impacted their rights and livelihoods.

The controversy dates back to 2014 when, with the support of former South African President Jacob Zuma, the SADC Tribunal’s functions were abruptly halted.

This suspension left the affected Zimbabwean farmers with no recourse for addressing the losses they suffered during the tumultuous land reforms in Zimbabwe during the early 2000s.

As a consequence of the land grabs in Zimbabwe, a significant number of commercial farmers lost their businesses and properties.

These farmers have now taken their grievances to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, where they are pursuing two separate claims.

The first claim seeks R5 billion in damages, while the second one demands R2 billion, both representing the substantial losses incurred as a result of the SADC Tribunal’s suspension.

This legal battle highlights the complex and long-lasting ramifications of Zimbabwe’s land reform policies and the involvement of neighboring countries in the region.

The outcome of this lawsuit is eagerly anticipated, as it could set a precedent for addressing historical injustices and cross-border disputes in the Southern African Development Community.