Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Reporter
Nketa residents have gained valuable insights into the Government’s title deed upgrading and digitalisation programme as lawyers cautioned property owners to ensure their documentation is properly maintained to protect against fraud and potential property loss.
A recent public engagement in the suburb brought together lawyers, City of Bulawayo officials and residents’ association representatives amid growing concerns over property ownership disputes and cases in which unsuspecting homeowners have reportedly been duped of their properties through fraudulent transactions and forged documentation.
Residents were taken through the importance of having proper property documentation, the legal steps required to safeguard home ownership and procedures involved in the title deeds digitalisation process.
The meeting also allowed residents to seek clarification from relevant authorities and lawyers on property transactions, the digitalisation process and other issues affecting ownership.
Last year, the Government gave homeowners, farmers and businesses 24 months to present their original title deeds to the Registrar of Deeds for verification following a directive for a sweeping overhaul of the country’s land title system to modernise the property sector and curb fraud.
Under the new regulations, property owners are required to replace their old paper-based title deeds with secure digital versions within the stipulated two-year period.
Ward 24 councillor Tavengwa Zidya said the oversubscribed meeting aimed to explain the Government-initiated title deeds digitalisation process and dispel misinformation surrounding the exercise.
“We came to explain what has already been set in motion by Government and dispel false information that is circulating to the effect that people will lose their properties after the end of the process. No house will be taken away from its rightfull owners by anyone,” he said.
Lawyer Mr Gamelihle Ncube said rampant forgery of title deeds by corrupt individuals had resulted in unsuspecting property owners being targeted.
“To curb corruption associated with title deeds forgery, Government saw it fit to initiate the digitalisation process. It began with the issuance of Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025. Basically, it’s a two-year process and within the timeframe Government expects every owner to have upgraded title deeds. We also urge homeowners to participate in the process” said Mr Ncube.
Mr Ncube explained the procedures involved, including the documentation required and the amounts payable, while urging property owners to comply with the requirements.
“The new title deeds will have enhanced security features,” he added.
Residents welcomed the digitalisation programme but appealed to Government to consider extending the timeframe, saying the remaining period could be insufficient for all property owners to complete the process.
“This is a noble process by Government. However, the two-year timeframe is rather too short given that already one year has elapsed after the process began. We appeal for an extension to give residents more time to complete the process,” said a resident.
The engagement was held under the theme “Clear up the confusion and secure your property’s future.”
A title deed is a legal document serving as proof of legal ownership of a property, including a house or piece of land. It is critical in property transactions as it facilitates the transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer.
In Zimbabwe, title deeds are also important in resolving property disputes, facilitating property sales and securing loans using property as collateral.
