Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE Government has begun dialoguing with children and spouses of national liberation heroes to address long-standing issues surrounding land ownership, with a focus on transitioning from leases and offer letters to formal title deeds.
The policy shift, unveiled under the theme “Securing Our Tomorrow, Today”, sought to ensure legal land ownership for children and spouses of late war veterans and fallen heroes.
The high-level stakeholder engagement held in Harare brought together senior Government officials, representatives of financial institutions and children and spouses of national heroes.
The meeting centred on how beneficiaries can legally inherit and utilise the land left to them by their parents and access capital through proper land titling.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said the Government was prioritising the formalisation of land ownership for this historically significant group.
“The children and spouses of the fallen heroes still occupy land left by their parents, but without proper succession and title, the land holds no bankable value,” said Prof Jiri.
“We are working to ensure that the land is properly titled so it can be inherited and used as a productive asset.”
Prof Jiri said banks were being integrated into the process to address the financial exclusion experienced by many families of deceased war veterans.
“We have emphasised to banks that this constituency has unique needs and a painful history,” he said.
“They must be understood and supported. Without a title, the land cannot sweat. And without capacity, the land remains idle.”
For decades, land beneficiaries held 99-year leases and offer letters — documents that did not guarantee ownership or provide collateral value for loans.
This created a major barrier to productivity and financial inclusion.
Ms Bellinda Cele, national coordinator for Children of National Heroes, welcomed the policy shift and said it provided long-awaited recognition and empowerment.
“Previously, leases and offer letters did not guarantee ownership,” she said.
“We felt like tenants on our own inheritance. We now seek to be formally recognised as title holders so that we can protect our legacy and access financing.”
Ms Cele also expressed appreciation to President Mnangagwa’s leadership in launching the new land tenure policy.
“We are grateful to His Excellency for this policy direction,” she said.
“We are not here to criticise; it is a progressive step. We want to comply and be part of this opportunity.”
Cde Happison Muchechetere, chairperson of the Stakeholders Engagement Subcommittee on Land Tenure Implementation, underscored the importance of the reform.
“Title deeds are the foundation of prosperity. Without them, there is no future,” said Cde Muchechetere.
“We must move from land redistribution to land productivity. My offer letter is not bankable. A title deed is.”
Online Reporter