05 MARCH 2021 Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has today filed two court applications simultaneously at Masvingo High Court on behalf of Chilonga Community. One is an urgent chamber application to interdict the displacement of the Chilonga community and the other is an ordinary court application seeking to declare section 10 of the Communal Land […]
Alternative Mining Indaba 2021 Declaration We met virtually between 8-12 February 2021,with over 800 delegates registered. The AMI refused to be muted.Please find the full declaration here
Introduction On February 09, 2021, the South African High Court sitting at Western Cape delivered a milestone ruling on the protection of Environmental Rights Defenders (ERDs) against Strategic Litigation and against Public Participation (SLAPP) claims. In the Mineral Sands Resources (PTY)LTD and Others vs Reddel and Others[1] case, the High Court upheld the SLAPP suit […]
By Chadenga Lisberty-Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Youth Network 03 March 2021 INTRODUCTION The success of every government action or framework hinges on the overall policy framework that national action and plan is found. Wildlife is a great source of pride in Zimbabwe not only because of its significant symbolism embedded in the country’s culture but […]
Today is the World Wildlife Day which is also running concurrently with the 2021 Africa Environment Day/ Wangari Mathaai Day. The Wildlife Day is being celebrated under the theme “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.” The day puts on the spotlight the central role of forests, forest species and ecosystem services in sustaining the […]
26 February 2021 Introduction On the 27th of January 2021, the Government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development granted a 5-year tax exemption to Great Dyke Investments (GDI) through a Statutory Instrument 26/2021[1] cited as Income Tax (Exemption from Income Tax) (Great Dyke Investments (Private) Limited) Notice, 2021, effective from 1 January 2021. The move […]
Terms of Reference (TOR): Assessment of Tributary Agreements in the ASM Sector in Zimbabwe. Deadline: 28 February 2021 Introduction and Background The artisanal and small-scale mining sector (ASM) is an indispensable source of livelihood for mineral rich communities in the country. However, most miners in these communities operate in informal mining arrangements characterised by […]
Deadline: 1 March 2021 Background The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a premier public interest environmental law organisation which seeks to promote environmental justice, sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, democracy and good governance in the natural resources and environment sector. ZELA’s work is mainly anchored on a core group of rights which are […]
Prohibitive Mining licencing fees a “back-stab” to sustainable mining development Introduction and Background The Minister of Mines and Mining Development has in terms of section 403 of the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] increased mining fees by over 800 percent quoting the fees in United States dollars[1] but payable at the prevailing exchange rate. […]
At a time when the country is extending a begging bowl to procure COVID-19 vaccines, the government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) is awarding tax holidays to extractive companies. The government recently granted a five-year tax holiday to Great Dyke Investments, a platinum mine operation. This is particularly concerning because the mining sector is a key contributor […]