Early estimates of how many have been made homeless by Operation Murambatsvina ranged from 200,000 to more than one million. Studio Seven contacted public officials and relief organizations in the main cities and towns. Based on those interviews, it seems probable that at least 1.5 million people have been left homeless - about 750,000 in Harare, some 300,000 in Bulawayo, 300,000 in Harare satellite town Chitungwiza, and an estimated 150,000 in Mutare.
Those displaced in Harare have settled in squatter camps in and around the capital. Hundreds have camped along the Mukuvisi River, and thousands have fled to Epworth, a high-density suburb that was less affected than many others by the crackdown. Many are living in the street and at Mbare Musika bus terminal. The Daily Mirror quotes Harare City Council spokesman Leslie Gwindi as warning that those on open spaces will be removed and urging them to go back their place of origin - not their former Harare homes.
For the displaced, making a living is an urgent concern along with finding shelter. Tendai Muza, who holds a certificate in mechanics, lost his job in Msasa five years ago. Since then he had been making a living in the Siyaso market in Mbare. But his workshop and home have been destroyed. Reporter Blessing Zulu asked Mr. Muza how he is getting by, in this interview.
