IN the heart of New Tafara, a modest community stands on the brink of a crisis as Rubhabha Park, a cherished green sanctuary, is under siege.
Intrepid land barons, motivated by greed, have set their sights on this biodiversity-rich area, endangering not only the park but also the surrounding neighbourhoods, including the ambitious SUNTAF Housing Co-operative project.
As whispers of encroachment grow louder, an inspiring coalition of local residents and passionate artists is rising, determined to reclaim their beloved park and protect it for future generations.
While the drama is unfolding, this is turning out to be more than a struggle for land; but a fight for community, identity and the very essence of a place many call home.
The scene is set against the backdrop of the bustling Tafara-City road, where Rubhabha Park, opposite the lively Kas Kas social hotspot, has become a battleground for conservationists and land developers.
The park, co-founded by the late Runhamo Rubaba, affectionately known as Alibaba, which is under the Harare Site Plan, has not seen serious maintenance since his passing on.
Residents lament that local government officials are implicated in the illegal parcelling out of land, working alongside intrepid land barons to undermine both the park and the three-hectare housing project.
Protests have erupted from the SUNTAF Housing Co-operative, a consortium of two Harare City Council schools, Sunningdale and Tafara 5 primary schools, hence the acronym, SUNTAF, which aims to provide dignified housing for educators.
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Since its establishment in 2006, this initiative has struggled against the machinations of land barons, who have begun to lure members with tempting cash offers for backyard spaces which they resale to distressed home seekers.
“Our housing project is now at risk from daring land barons,” stated a SUNTAF executive member, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
“They are targeting our members, offering them money to sell backyard spaces for resale to desperate home seekers, jeopardising the entire neighbourhood due to rising criminal activities”.
As if the threat to their homes isn’t enough, the park itself is being degraded. A recent tour with two executive members of SUNTAF, revealed that house foundations adjacent to the park are now filled up with water due to improper excavation on a wetland area, while storm drains have been refilled to make way for roads.
The result? A looming risk of flooding for both the park and the housing project, further exacerbated by the reckless actions of those in power at the local level.
In response to this crisis, a coalition of artists and residents has initiated a petition directed to the Harare City Council Department of Housing.
They are calling for the reclamation and resuscitation of the park, emphasising their commitment to contributing labour, resources and funds to restore the area.
“We want to create a safe haven for our children and the community,” the petition, seen by this correspondent, states in part.
“Security is paramount as incidents of mugging within the park have become rife.”
The group envisions a revitalised park featuring indigenous and exotic trees, tree nurseries, a herbal botanical garden and public facilities, including toilets and a borehole.
They aim to create an educational space where children can learn about environmental protection and biodiversity, fostering a generation that values and protects its natural heritage.
Vissensio Maganizo, an artist and co-ordinator for the Ali Baba Group, believes empowering children and youths is essential.
“Children and youths are the future of this environment,” he said in a recent interview. “They need holistic education to coexist harmoniously with nature.
“Alongside workshops and seminars, the group plans to install lights around the park and a boom gate to enhance security.”
Ward 20 councillor Mercy Kasvosve said she was yet to receive the petition from the Ali Baba Group, but noted that she was aware of the goings-on around the park.
“I have yet to receive the petition but it has always been my wish that ward 20 residents get recreational benefits from utilising the park spaces and its scenery,” she said, adding that residents have always been using it for church services and educational activities.
The urgency of the situation has also caught the attention of environmental experts and residential associations.
Ruben Akili, director for the Combined Harare Residents Association, expressed deep concern about the growing influence of land barons.
“Harare cannot continue to ignore this issue,” he said.
“The environment and its ecosystems are at risk, putting local residents in danger from flooding,” he warned.
“Housing projects and environmental preservation often clash, but we must find a balance.”
As tensions rise, the community’s determination to reclaim Rubhabha Park serves as a beacon of hope.
The petition to the Harare City Council is more than a plea for restoration; it’s a call to action for every resident who cherishes the park and its environs.
“The vibrant artists, passionate educators and concerned citizens are rallying together, ready to fight for a green space that represents not just a park, but a legacy of community resilience,” Maganizo asserts.
With the support of local artists, including renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura, the community movement is gaining momentum.
“The goal is to create a safe, engaging space for children and ensure the environmental integrity of Rubhabha Park,” Benhura affirmed.
As the petition circulates, residents of Tafara are not just fighting for a park; they are advocating for their rights, their homes and their future.
In a world where profit often trumps preservation, their struggle underscores the importance of community action and the enduring power of nature.
As the community stands united for the preservation of the park, its message is clear: the fight to protect its green haven has just begun and it will not back down without a fight.
