Mnangagwa land tenure programme court challenge fails

The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed with costs a legal challenge to the Land Tenure Programme introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year.

The six applicants, represented by Tendai Biti Law Chambers, had contended that the programme was unconstitutional, arguing that it violated sections 72, 293, and 297 of the Constitution. They further claimed that all land tenure matters should be approved by the Zimbabwe Land Commission and that agricultural land could not be disposed of without an Act of Parliament.

Respondents countered that the applicants were operating under a mistaken assumption, asserting that the relevant Act of Parliament was indeed in place. They also argued that the executive is not bound by the recommendations of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, maintaining that the programme fell within the constitutional powers of the President.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court ruled that the application lacked merit and dismissed it with costs. The judgment was delivered in Harare in November 2025.