This study investigates, through electronic and print media sources, published books and articles, reports from international organizations, and oral interviews, the irregular ways through which many vulnerable people in Zimbabwe’s eastern border city of Mutare exploited opportunities in neighbouring Mozambique for survival. Most people had to resort to clandestine cross-border activities largely because they could not afford the financial obligations for travel documents, visa fees, border taxes, work permits, as well as import and trade licences. In addition, several of the commodities they imported or exported were either subject to duty, or altogether illegal either in Mozambique or Zimbabwe.
This chapter unravels a dimension of the Zimbabwean crisis since the first decade of the 21st century: the struggle of ordinary rural African people against the abuse of water sources by the commercial diamond mining companies in the Chiadzwa area of Zimbabwe. While acknowledging the efforts by the government and civic organizations in ensuring the sustainability of mining operations, this study asserts that environmental literacy and activism of the subaltern (i.e. those of lower status) towards this end should not be underestimated.
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