Govt engages children, spouses of national heroes on title deeds

In a landmark move aimed at resolving long-standing issues around land ownership, the Government has initiated dialogue with children and spouses of national liberation heroes to transition them from leases and offer letters to formal title deeds.

The new policy thrust, launched under the theme "Securing Our Tomorrow, Today", seeks to provide legal land ownership to the families of fallen war veterans, thereby unlocking economic value through access to capital and financial services.

A high-level stakeholder meeting held in Harare brought together senior Government officials, representatives from financial institutions, and beneficiaries of liberation war heroes' estates. Discussions focused on how the next of kin can legally inherit, own, and utilise land left to them by their late relatives.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the Government is prioritising the formalisation of land ownership for families of national heroes.

"The children and spouses of the fallen heroes still occupy land left by their parents, but without proper succession and title, the land holds no bankable value," said Prof Jiri.
"We are working to ensure that the land is properly titled so it can be inherited and used as a productive asset."

He added that financial institutions were being brought into the fold to address the historical financial exclusion faced by these families.

"We have emphasised to banks that this constituency has unique needs and a painful history. They must be understood and supported. Without a title, the land cannot sweat. And without capacity, the land remains idle."

For decades, many land beneficiaries held 99-year leases or offer letters, documents that did not confer full ownership or collateral value, limiting access to credit and agricultural productivity.

Ms Bellinda Cele, National Coordinator for Children of National Heroes, praised the policy direction as long-overdue recognition and empowerment.

"Previously, leases and offer letters did not guarantee ownership. We felt like tenants on our own inheritance," she said.
"We now seek to be formally recognised as title holders so that we can protect our legacy and access financing."

She also commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership in introducing the progressive land tenure reforms.

"We are grateful to His Excellency for this policy direction. We are not here to criticise; it is a progressive step. We want to comply and be part of this opportunity."

Happison Muchechetere, Chairperson of the Stakeholders Engagement Subcommittee on Land Tenure Implementation, underscored the importance of converting land tenure into productive assets.

"Title deeds are the foundation of prosperity. Without them, there is no future," said Muchechetere.
"We must move from land redistribution to land productivity. My offer letter is not bankable. A title deed is."

The initiative marks a significant step in land reform, moving beyond access to land and toward empowering the next generation to unlock its full economic potential through secure and legal ownership.