10.30 – President Mnangagwa has arrived at Precabe Farm in Kwekwe where he is set to launch the Land Tenure Implementation Programme.
The new system is envisaged to enhance access to financing and encourage agricultural production and productivity.
It will bolster the land ownership model, unlock huge amounts of finance, spur economic growth and enhance productivity.
This follows President Mnangagwa’s announcement in October that the country’s land tenure system would be adjusted to improve land tenure security.
Under the new era, all land held by beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme under 99-year leases, offer letters and permits will be under a bankable, registrable and transferable document.
Our crew is in Kwekwe at Precabe Farm to give you live updates of the programme. Stay tuned.
10.55 – President arrives at Precabe
President Mnangagwa has arrived at Pricabe Farm, an elaborate thriving agricultural property in Kwekwe that is owned by the First Family.
He is set to launch the Land Tenure Implementation programme which will bolster land ownership and put an end to the issue of title and security.
The Head of State and Government has started touring the farm.
He is accompanied by Government Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Service Chiefs, senior Government officials, captains of industry, traditional leaders, and farmers.
There are several agricultural activities at the farm, including horticulture, livestock and fish farming, among others.
Chief Hwenje is entertaining the bumper crowd gathered at the farm.
10.58 – HE leads Precabe Farm tour
President Mnangagwa has started showing Cabinet Ministers various activities being carried out at the farm.
He has shown them the produce that is being grown at the farm.
Potatoes are being grown at a large scale and have since claimed a huge market share as the First Family leads by example.
11.10 – How the Land Tenure Implementation Programme will work
Under the programme being launched by President Mnangagwa today, the tittle issued to farmers will only be transferable to indigenous Zimbabweans as the Government asserts the irreversibility of the Land Reform Programme embarked upon at the turn of the millennium.
The Land Tenure Implementation Programme has seen the Government issuing an indefinite moratorium on the Issuance of any new 99-year leases, offer letters and permits for agricultural land to ensure the smooth facilitation of the process.
Priority in the issuance of title will be on war veterans, women and youth.
11.55 – Bishop Mutendi leads in prayer
Zion Christian Church leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi is opening the programme with words of devotion.
He said the land issue is reminiscent to the biblical land conferred on Israel by God. “Your Excellency the President, what you are setting out to do is in line with God’s plan. You are demonstrating unselfish vision. You are indeed a good steward to Zimbabweans,” said Bishop Mutendi.
11.56 – President committed to empowerment: Midlands Minister
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen “Mudha” Ncube is now on the podium to welcome the people.
He described the First Family’s farm as a model for farming and a centre of excellence.
Minister Ncube said today’s event shows President Mnangagwa’s determination to provide land tenure and security.
“The programme also shows the President’s desire to provide broadbased empowerment and is in fulfillment to the commitment he made during his inauguration in 2017,” said Minister Ncube.
12.11 –Land Tenure Programme a landmark development: Agriculture Minister
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka is now on the stage.
He described the launch of the programme as a landmark development.
“Today’s is a great day not only for Zimbabwe but for Sadc. It’s a landmark development as we are unlocking the levers of production.”
12.32 – Minister Muchinguri introduces the President
Minister Muchinguri Kashiri chronicled the various programmes that have been initiated by President Mnangagwa to alleviate the challenges arising from the effects of climate change.
These include high impact dams and several agricultural schemes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, among others.
Minister Muchinguri Kashiri, whose role is to introduce President Mnangagwa, outlined the role played by the Head of State and Government during the liberation struggle.
She also said President Mnangagwa has a solid background in agriculture, both as a farmer and as a policy maker.
“He is a man with passion to bring posterity to Zimbabwe,” she said.
President Mnangagwa has now been invited to the podium.
12.41 – Land tenure system will encourage investment and productivity: President Mnangagwa
President Mngagwa is now on the podium.
The President said the country is charting a new trajectory which is consistent with Vision 2030.
“We are determined to deliver broad-based empowerment and transformation, leaving no place and no one behind,” said President Mnangagwa.
The land reform programme is irreversible, adding that land is the cornerstone for economic growth.
“Our Constitution gives rights to every Zimbabwean citizen to acquire, use or dispose agricultural land.
“The land tenure system is critical. It encourages investment and encourages production and productivity. With secure land tenure, our farmers can secure loans and improve their yields. The importance of bankable, secure land system cannot be overemphasised,” said President Mnangagwa.
He urged banks to accept the land documents.
“The handover of title deeds is testimony of the Government’s desire to empower the people,” he said.
“The State is transferring title to a new holder and the recipient is challenged to defend the revolution. The handover has happened because there was a land revolution to emancipate Zimbabweans,” said President Mnangagwa.
13.00 – President inspired by his parents
The President commended the technical committee that is instrumental in ensuring the success of the Land Tenure Implementation Programme.
He said he was inspired to take up farming by his parents at a young age.
President Mnangagwa said through learning from best practices, he has set new records in farming.
“The principle is go and learn from the best,” said President Mnangagwa.
In ending his speech, President Mnangagwa extended his best wishes for everyone during this festive season.
He said Christmas is a time for joy.
13.24 – Businessman Kuda Tagwirei chairs Land Tenure Implementation Committee
Renowned businessman, Mr Kuda Tagwirei, is the chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.
Mr Tagwirei is now on stage and is expected to lead in the presentation of title deeds.
In his speech, Mr Tagwirei said after a thorough analysis of the law, the technical committee resolved that there is no legal barrier that can prevent the Government from issuing title deeds.
He said the title deeds are bankable and could facilitate the holder from accessing loans.
“I am a businessman. I have never seen such an empowerment scheme better than this one, Your Excellency,” said Mr Tagwirei.
He said 10 people from 10 provinces will be the first beneficiaries of the title deeds, with President Mnangagwa being the first to get them.
Others beneficiaries are former Cabinet Minister, Dr Herbert Murerwa and Public Service Commission chairperson, Dr Vincent Hungwe.
Others include Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Cde Tsitsi Gezi and Mr Egypt Kakono, both from Mashonaland Central Province.
There is also Mr Vengai Rushwaya and Ezra Chadzamira (both from Masvingo Province), Mr Mthambeli Ndou and Mr Mangamela Sibanda (both from Matabeleland North), among others.
Mr Tagwirei said the title deeds have been digitalised and have enhanced security.
13.28 – Minister Garwe challenges beneficiaries to utilise title deeds responsibly
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe is now delivering the vote of thanks.
He thanked all those that were involved in the implementation of the programme.
Minister Garwe challenged beneficiaries to utilise the title deeds responsibly.
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