Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AS Zimbabweans look forward to celebrating the 45th independence anniversary next Friday, villagers from the Wanezi area in Matabeleland South are proud of the gains from the liberation struggle, particularly their land ownership.
The community owns a 19 000ha three-tier farm, which has been earmarked for major development and is expected to become a source of livelihood, supporting both livestock and crop farming.
Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980, marking the start of a new era where black people gradually regained control over their resources, including land.
The Government has rolled out several programmes empowering indigenous people through land ownership, reversing the colonial bias that favoured the white minority.
Three-tier farms are a type of land allocation scheme where communities are given access to former commercial farms as additional grazing land, aiming to reduce pressure on communal grazing areas. Under this model, land is allocated for homesteads, cropping and grazing, addressing the needs of livestock-oriented communities.
Villagers are restricted from settling within the grazing area. The caretaker of Wanezi Block three-tier farm, Mr Collin Siziba, said the farm benefits 2,600 households from four wards in the district.
The grazing area has provided relief to community members, especially during drought conditions. Since its allocation in 1994, the community has experienced the benefits of land ownership, motivating them to protect it fiercely.
“We were told from the outset that we shouldn’t settle on the farm, as it was meant for grazing space, and we have stuck to the agreement we made with the Government,” said Mr Siziba.
“We have people who temporarily stay on the farm in makeshift structures to herd cattle, but we haven’t allowed anyone to settle permanently. We need assistance in developing the farm, as we need paddocks and water points to sustain our animals. During droughts, the farm is a lifeline for our animals and we know the importance of this place.
We want to see our farm protected and developed.”
The Government is set to establish several drought mitigation centres at the Wanezi three-tier farm, which is set to be a model for other three-tier farms to encourage full utilisation.
This development will improve water supply for animals, with each village within the farm having its own drought mitigation centre. Wanezi farmers will also receive title deeds for their land, cementing their ownership.
The development of three-tier farms is part of the Government’s efforts to boost the agricultural sector in line with the Rural Development 8.0 Programme.
Chief Maduna from Insiza District stated that the community has faced challenges with intruders attempting to encroach on their land.
However, villagers and community leaders have stood their ground, knowing the effort it took to acquire the land. He expressed great relief that the community will be given title deeds for the farm, as it holds sentimental value.
Traditional leaders have maintained their position to ensure no one settles on the grazing land.
“This place is of sentimental value to us because it’s one of the gains of the revolutionary struggle that the Godlwayo community took part in,” said Chief Maduna.
“We have continued to safeguard this revolutionary gain by adhering to the prescribed settlement guidelines. Even when we were pressured by external forces, we stood our ground.”
“We are glad the Government is now facilitating our documented ownership of the farm and will be developing it, so we can realise full utilisation of the land.
“Owning this land wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the independence we attained through the liberation struggle,” he added.
Chief Maduna emphasised the importance of fully utilising the land by those who have benefitted from the Land Reform Programme to ensure maximum production and contribute to the development of the economy.
Gokwe North District in Midlands Province will host this year’s 45th Independence Anniversary Celebrations. The theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030.” —@DubeMatutu
