HARARE, ZIMBABWE - The Zimbabwean government has expressed concern over the increasing
number of illegal settlers on agricultural land, a situation that threatens the country’s food security. In a press release issued on November 28, 2023, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. A.J. Masuka, outlined several key points regarding land tenure and illegal settlements.
The Minister emphasized that only he, as the administrator of relevant Acts assigned by the President, His Excellency Dr. E.D Mnangagwa, is authorized to issue tenure documents on agricultural land. He warned that it is a criminal offence under the Zimbabwe Land Commission Act [Chapter 20:29] and the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act [Chapter 20:28] to occupy state land without lawful authority in the form of a Permit, an Offer Letter, or a lease.
The government has established a system for land applications, which should be made to the District and Provincial Lands offices. Applicants will receive waiting list allocation numbers, which they can use to track the progress of their applications. Notably, War Veterans and Youth each have a 20% quota and separate application registers.
The Minister stressed that applicants recommended for land allocation should wait to receive tenure documents before occupying the recommended pieces of land. He warned that the government will not regularize those who settle on state land without procedurally issued tenure documents, and that such illegal settlers will face the full wrath of the law.
Furthermore, the Minister advised the nation that agricultural land is not for sale, urging citizens not to pay anyone for access to agricultural land. He encouraged anyone who encounters such activities to report them to the nearest law enforcement agencies or to the Ministry via email at agricminister(at)gmail.com or by phone at 0772 169957.
Finally, the Minister called on the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, in their capacity as Chairpersons of Provincial Land Committees, to activate the necessary structures to deter and evict any illegal settlers.
This move by the government underscores its commitment to preserving agricultural land for legal and productive use, thereby ensuring food security for the nation. It serves as a stern warning to those who might consider illegal occupation of state land, emphasizing the government’s readiness to enforce the law to protect its agricultural resources.