Zimbabwean Bishop Calls for Fair Compensation for Communities Displaced by Mining in Africa

Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro of the Diocese of Gweru has called for justice and adequate compensation for African communities displaced by mining activities. In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference communication officer, Nyandoro noted that some displaced groups receive no compensation, while others receive insufficient funds to replace their homes and livelihoods.

Nyandoro, who serves as vice president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and liaison bishop for its Commission for Justice and Peace, stated that women and children face particular hardships when families lose their homes. He noted these groups often carry the burden of securing food and shelter during displacement and periods of violence.

The comments followed a regional justice and peace workshop held from October 12 to 16 at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. Robin Zeelie, a candidate attorney at Richard Spoor Incorporated, told the communication officer that even organized resettlement can cause women to lose access to essential natural resources and community support networks.