Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti-Zimpapers Reporter
THE Government has dismissed claims that housing cooperatives are no longer legally recognised, as the legislation governing them remains fully in effect.
The clarification was issued by Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Kiven Mutimbanyoka during a site tour and engagement with members of the Hatcliffe Housing Union.
“There have been many untruths doing the rounds, discouraging people and falsely suggesting that cooperatives are no longer allowed. That is not correct,” Deputy Minister Mutimbanyoka said. “Cooperatives were established through an Act of Parliament which has not been repealed.”
He described a wave of misinformation as disruptive to development, adding that the Government fully supports cooperatives across sectors as vital contributors to national development and the provision of affordable housing.
“We are in full support of cooperatives. We want them to do their very best and we will support them because the work they are doing is assisting in national development,” he said.
The Deputy Minister revealed that the Hatcliffe community alone comprises close to 65 cooperatives, responsible for over 3 000 housing units—a model he described as a Government-driven empowerment programme aligned with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.
However, he said that continued support is contingent on cooperatives adhering to sound governance. He addressed concerns from members seeking title deeds, saying that compliance is a prerequisite.
“We are saying to them they must go back to basics and do things right, hold monthly meetings, ensure financial records and audits are in order and conduct annual general meetings,” Deputy Minister Mutimbanyoka said.
Once governance standards are met, he added, the Government can assist in securing members’ properties.
Echoing the need for compliance, Hatcliffe City Council district officer Ms Maggie Majangara urged cooperatives to follow local authority regulations to secure services and protect members’ investments.
“We are crying out for cooperatives to comply. Let us prepare our children’s legacy,” Ms Majangara said.
On the ground, cooperative leaders expressed optimism following the Government’s reassurance.
Mr Never Karoro, Chairman of the Harare North Housing Co-Operative Union, said the engagement provided a “green light to resume work” on stalled infrastructure projects.
The founder of the Hatcliffe Housing Cooperatives, Cde Nyasha Chikwinya, highlighted the model’s social impact, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.
“These are housing cooperatives meant to assist each other to build houses… The success story is that everyone here now has his or her own home. At least there is shelter, which is fundamental,” Cde Chikwinya said.
