Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has been urged to extend the July 31, 2026 deadline for the finalisation of registered deceased estates amid concerns that the current timeframe could disadvantage vulnerable beneficiaries struggling to meet estate administration costs.
The call was made by the Zimbabwe union of Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZURRA) following a public notice issued by the Master of the High Court urging beneficiaries, executors, administrators and other interested parties to take steps to finalise registered deceased estates by the end of this month.
In a statement, ZURRA spokesperson Mr Marvellous Kumalo said the association supported Government’s efforts to improve the administration of deceased estates and facilitate the timely transfer of inheritances to beneficiaries.
However, he said consultations with residents and beneficiaries across the country have shown that many estates remained unfinalised mainly because of the financial burden associated with the process.
“Many deceased estates remain unfinished not because beneficiaries are unwilling to comply with the law, nor because executors are negligent or incompetent. Rather, the principal challenge faced by many families is the financial burden associated with estate administration,” said Mr Kumalo.
He said the costs included Master and independent executor fees, property valuation costs, transfer fees, conveyancing charges and other related expenses.
Mr Kumalo said widows, pensioners, unemployed people, persons with disabilities, child-headed households and other low-income families were among those likely to be hardest hit.
He said many affected families have inherited single residential properties in which surviving spouses, children and dependants continued to live.
“In many cases, these families continue to reside in inherited homes while struggling to meet basic household needs, making it difficult to raise the resources required to complete the administration processes,” Mr Kumalo said.
He said the objective of deceased estate administration should not be limited to the closure of estate files, but should also protect beneficiaries’ rights, preserve family assets where practical and safeguard residential homes occupied by surviving family members.
Mr Kumalo also called for greater clarity on the measures that may be taken after the July 31, 2026 deadline, including the procedures to be followed, criteria for intervention and any costs that could ultimately be borne by beneficiaries.
He proposed the introduction of flexible payment plans to allow beneficiaries to settle estate administration costs through practical written arrangements.
Mr Kumalo also called for the compliance deadline to be extended beyond July 31 to give beneficiaries more time to meet the requirements, taking into account the prevailing economic conditions.
He urged Parliament to consider amending the Administration of Estates Act and related laws to provide special protection for matrimonial homes and single residential properties occupied by surviving spouses, children and dependants.
Mr Kumalo also called for decentralised awareness campaigns across all provinces to educate residents on estate finalisation procedures and address public confusion surrounding the process.
“While ZURRA supports efforts to reduce the backlog of unfinalised deceased estates and ensure beneficiaries receive their inheritances without undue delay, such efforts must be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, accountability and social justice,” he said.
Mr Kumalo urged Government, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Master of the High Court to engage residents in developing practical and inclusive solutions that balance administrative efficiency with the protection of beneficiaries’ rights and family homes.
