Issuance of title deeds marks historic milestone in Zimbabwe land reform

The issuance of title deeds to beneficiaries of Zimbabwe's Land Reform Programme has been hailed as a landmark achievement affirming the irreversibility of the initiative and unlocking immense economic value for indigenous landowners.

Speaking at State House in Harare to mark the 37th anniversary of Unity Day, President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the move as a transformative step in honouring the legacy of the country's liberation struggle and advancing socio-economic development.

President Mnangagwa emphasised the significance of granting over 380,000 beneficiaries secure ownership of agricultural land, highlighting its impact on productivity, prosperity, and national sovereignty.

"This past week saw my administration concretise the constitutionally enshrined obligation to give rights to every Zimbabwean citizen to hold and occupy agricultural land," said the President.

"The bold decision to empower the beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme through the issuance of deeds of transfer will unlock the value of our land. This is what our forebears fought for, and this is what we, the current generation, have achieved."

Under the programme, over 23,500 A2 farmers and more than 360,000 A1 farmers will receive title deeds, enabling them to use their land as collateral for loans and boosting access to financing for increased agricultural productivity.

On Friday, President Mnangagwa launched the Land Tenure Implementation Programme at Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe, symbolising the beginning of this historic initiative. Ten farmers were issued title deeds at the launch, with 250 more set to be distributed by the end of January 2025 and 2,500 by March 2025.

The Land Tenure Implementation Committee (LTIC) is spearheading the programme, transitioning land held under 99-year leases, offer letters, and permits into bankable, registrable, and transferable titles.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, highlighted the programme's significance:
"Government has already distributed over 10 million hectares to more than 366,000 beneficiaries since 1980. This initiative ensures that landholders can convert offer letters and 99-year leases to deeds of transfer, boosting their security of tenure and access to capital."

The Department of Deeds and Intellectual Property, capable of processing 1,000 deeds daily, aims to complete the conversion of all A1 and A2 offer letters and 99-year leases within 18 months. Strict controls will ensure that land ownership remains exclusively with Zimbabwean nationals.

Dr Herbert Murerwa, one of the first recipients of a title deed, underscored the importance of this development:
"Having a title deed provides security of tenure and access to capital. This will unlock productivity and ensure that farms move forward."

Another beneficiary, Mr Lester Chizunza from Headlands, expressed optimism about the programme's impact:
"This milestone has given us an opportunity to maximise land use. Our economy is agro-based, and we are committed to contributing to national food security and economic growth."

As Zimbabwe commemorates Unity Day, the issuance of title deeds serves as a powerful testament to the progress made in realising the aspirations of the liberation struggle. This historic initiative cements the inextricable bond between Zimbabweans and their land, paving the way for a prosperous and self-reliant future.