Press Release: JAMBANJA- The life story of a Zimbabwean Farmer - ERIC HARRISON

 

JAMBANJA – The true life story of a Zimbabwean farmer - by Eric Harrison has just been published.

 

He didn’t say a word as Whitehat stepped forward. “We are the new owners of Maioio Farm.” He said menacingly, as he pointed to the other three. “You have got 24 hours to get off ... now move it!”

 

Harry, a white Zimbabwean farmer, has fought to create a life out from under the shadow of war. From meagre beginnings he carves a successful citrus farm from the “dirt” of a newly-built settlement, only to have it ripped away in a series of vicious and shocking attacks. His family, friends and faith are sorely tested as he struggles to fight back “by the book.”

 

Eric Harrison was inspired to write Jambanja after realising how un­informed those outside Zimbabwe are about the intimidation policies implemented by the government of Zimbabwe in the name of Land Redistribution.

 

A true Zimbabwean, born in the heart of the country, the author grew up amongst many challenges. He lived and worked with the local population, developing enduring friendships, and learning and respecting their customs and cultures... He grew up immersed in the Rhodesian political arena in a tumultuous era in that country’s history. He had been a soldier in the Rhodesian forces, and ended the war as a Pilot in the Police Reserve Air-Wing. Eric Harrison has farmed in Zimbabwe for over 30 years.

 

Forced by “Jambanja” to leave their farm in South Eastern Zimbabwe, Eric and his wife Joan now live in Harare. They continue to fight for the restitution of their rights, dignity and self respect and those of the hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans of all races who have lost everything.

 

The purpose of documenting this heart-searing reality is to give them all a voice:

In the year 2000, with the stroke of a pen, the President of Zimbabwe changed the Constitution, declaring, “the people of Zimbabwe have been unjustifiably dispossessed of their land.” In other words, that the land had been stolen and everything that had gone into developing the land – the years of work, sacrifice and involvement – counted for nothing. Shortly afterwards, he unleashed the war veterans onto commercial farms, unconstitutionally and illegally, forcing the farmers off the land.

This is a true story and like all such stories, the storyteller is a part of it too. It is my story, my life but I have told it from the outside. It is a complex and difficult situation in Zimbabwe and I had to take a step back from the intensity of it all to give you the fullest and fairest picture that I could, so you could make up your own mind about the justice or injustices done in the name of ‘land redistribution’.

There were over 4,500 commercial farmers, their workers plus families at the start of the land invasions.

4,500 stories – this is just one of them.

Eric “Harry” Harrison

 

PRICE:  R160

 

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