Online Reporter
Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE moratorium on private acquisition of State land for commercial or residential purposes announced by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, is a timely and necessary measure to restore order in Zimbabwe’s land and property sector.
The minister issued the moratorium on Tuesday.
The sector had been plagued by land barons working in cahoots with some corrupt officials from local authorities, to grab state land and parcel it out as stands for their own benefit.
Minister Garwe has directed that with immediate effect, no individual or entity should approach the Ministry or local authorities claiming to have identified State land for allocation.
“Government and local authorities are aware of all of their land, making any claims of land discovery unrealistic and corrupt. This is a euphemism for corruption and a panacea for dysfunctional settlement.” Minister Garwe said.
“The public is therefore advised to shun any land dealings that are not sanctioned by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.”
Recent clashes and violent confrontations over State land, along with widespread demolitions across the country, have underscored the urgent need for this ban, a critical measure to restore order in the real estate sector.
The menace of land barons has gripped the country, with some invading wetlands in urban areas and developing them into housing stands, disturbing the ecosystem. Others have been grabbing land meant for citizen amenities such as schools, clinics and other social services.
Minister Garwe warned that Government employees or council officials found colluding with land barons in illegal land acquisitions will face severe consequences.
He threatened to deal with employees who corruptly collaborate with land barons in the so-called land discoveries.
“Government and council employees aiding land discoveries, identification shall be disciplined,” Minister Garwe warned.
President Mnangagwa has also been stern in his warning to land barons. On various occasions, he has emphasised the need to combat corruption and ensure that land is allocated transparently and in line with the law.
“Corruption will not be tolerated in this country. We will deal with it ruthlessly, and those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law,” President Mnangagwa said recently.
In the context of land grabs, this warning is particularly relevant as law enforcement agents such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) need to be vigilant in nipping corrupt land allocations in the bud following this ban.
The consequences of chaotic land allocations are evident in several countries where unplanned settlements have created enduring crises. Poor infrastructure, inadequate service delivery, and severe environmental damage continue to plague these nations, a stark warning for Zimbabwe to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
The general public can play a crucial role in fighting land grabs by reporting any suspicious land allocations to the relevant authorities.
As Minister Garwe stated, “The public should report to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works all corrupt Government and council officials who encourage land invasions by assisting people to identify land.”
By doing so, the public can assist Government departments and anti-corruption agencies like Zacc in easily detecting crimes related to land grabs.
Since citizens are often the ones who fall prey to land barons, their participation is vital in oiling the machinery of Government and anti-corruption agencies to solve the problem of land grabs once and for all.
Hence, the moratorium on discoveries of State land by individuals for allocation is of paramount importance to the citizens and the country as a whole. It is a step towards bringing order into the land and property sector, curbing the menace of land barons, and ensuring that land is allocated transparently and lawfully. Through emphasising the need for allocations to be done in line with the urban state land management policy and attendant guidelines, Minister Garwe’s announcement sets a clear path towards sanity in the management of state land.
Through a united effort involving law enforcement and active public participation, Zimbabwe can dismantle the grip of land barons and ensure equitable land distribution for the benefit of all citizens. By aligning with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 — which prioritises land as a key resource for economic transformation — this initiative will foster sustainable development, drive growth, and propel the nation toward its goal of an upper-middle-income economy. The result will be a legacy of orderly progress and shared prosperity.
