Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
TRADITIONAL leaders who are in the habit of selling communal land have been warned against such practices, which have been declared criminal by the Government, warranting arrests.
A troubling trend of selling land by some rogue traditional leaders has surfaced in various regions across the country, raising serious concerns about land management and the potential for exploitation.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri addressed the issue, urging traditional leaders to immediately cease these unauthorised transactions and to work collaboratively with local rural district councils.
“We have seen the rise of sabhuku deals, which we certainly say no to,” he said.
Prof Jiri said authority over land management lies squarely with the President, who is responsible for proper allocation.
Over the past few years several village heads have been convicted for their involvement in unlawful sales.
Prof Jiri urged Zimbabweans seeking land to follow proper channels.
He noted that the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works oversees official land allocations, while the Minister of Agriculture oversees agricultural land.
“Straying from these established procedures only opens avenues for land barons to exploit the situation,” Prof Jiri said.
To curb the scourge, Government is currently conducting capacity-building workshops designed to educate traditional leaders about their roles and responsibilities.
These workshops seek to provide leaders with the necessary tools to manage communal lands effectively and to understand the legal frameworks that govern land use.
Traditional leaders have been implicated in manipulating constitutional provisions that designate them as stewards of rural land, leading to public distrust and dissatisfaction.
According to Section 282 of the Constitution, traditional leaders are tasked with managing communal land and protecting the environment. This responsibility is further reinforced by the Communal Lands Act, which operationalises the constitutional provision by stating that rural land is vested in the President, who grants permission for its occupation and use.
Despite this clear position, some traditional leaders have chosen to ignore the law for personal profit, putting communities they are meant to serve at risk.
In light of these developments, Prof Jiri urged the public to pursue authentic documentation through the proper channels.
“There’s no need for anyone to obtain an offer letter from a window somewhere. An offer letter or a title deed must be processed in ministry offices. Engage the authorities that offer land, not anyone else,” he said.
