workers. I think the government is not giving land to the people, just campaigning for itself…The only people who have no land are those living on the farms.162 In practice, however, some farm workers have taken the opportunity to acquire land—at least temporarily—through the unofficial systems operated by the war veterans. However, the offer of land may be tied to a pledge of allegiance to Zanu-PF: There were regular meetings on the farm where we were offered land. They [the meetings] were run by war veterans and CIO guys. Usually the MP doesn’t come. They told the farmers to use their tractors to ferry us to the meetings, Friday 1 to 4 pm and Sunday 8 am to 1 pm. We never disrupted those meetings. They would tell us that [MDC leader] Tsvangirai will never rule this country. They don’t want to hear anything about MDC. Yes, they offered us land and said anyone who wants land can get. From our farm seven went, but I think some of them just go for the sake of going. Some were given land at [nearby farms]. They are living there. They are settled there right now.163 Sometimes these inducements to sign up for Zanu-PF were linked with threats of assault. They’ve [the war veterans] come several times before but this time was worse than before, because now they locked him [the boss] inside. Before they came to the workers and said, you have to support the ruling party. If you don’t have to support the party, they did fighting. They are just saying you ought to have your names written down. You must go and join the party. 164 A woman worker on a farm in Marondera told human rights researchers: The war vets want to occupy the farm worker's houses. They want to make sure we move out…If guys leave the farm, then white farmers won’t have the manpower to stay and farm. [Why don't you get your own piece of land here, like the other squatters?] You must have a Zanu-PF card to get land. [Why don't you call the police when attacked?] It’s useless because they won't do anything. You’re in more shit because the police will send a message to the war veterans this one is making trouble, sort her out, and they will! I've seen policemen in uniforms coming out with government vehicles to see their fields.165 As in the case of the situation of women within the fast track program, the particular problems of farm workers need further investigation, and urgent action to redress discrimination. Difficulties for Organizations Working in Rural Areas The mobilization for land occupations has created problems for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and unions seeking to work with farm workers and others in rural areas. During the referendum of 2000, GAPWUZ participated in voter education, an activity which tarred them, and through them the farm workers they addressed, with the brush of support for the MDC. The union claims that GAPWUZ shop stewards have been intimidated in by-election areas.166 GAPWUZ claimed that a new government-backed union federation, the Zimbabwe 162 Human Rights Watch interview, farm worker from Marondera area, Harare, July 18, 2001. Human Rights Watch interview, villager, 1980s Resettled Area, Marondera, Mashonaland East, July 27, 2001. 164 Human Rights Watch interview, farm worker, Beatrice District, Marondera West, July 26, 2001. 165 Amnesty International interview, December 4, 2001. 166 Human Rights Watch interview, Gapwuz Organisers, July 12, 2001. 163 Human Rights Watch 35 March 2002, Vol. 14, No. 1 (A)