A growing concern over the illegal sale of communal land by some traditional leaders has prompted stern warnings from the Government, which has declared such practices criminal and punishable by law. The trend, which has been observed across multiple regions, has raised alarms about land mismanagement and the potential exploitation of vulnerable citizens.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has urged traditional leaders to desist from these unlawful transactions. Addressing the issue, Prof Jiri emphasized that land management authority rests solely with the President and should be handled through formal government structures. “We have seen the rise of sabhuku deals, which we certainly say no to,” he stated.
Over the years, several village heads have been convicted for their involvement in illicit land sales. Prof Jiri stressed that Zimbabweans seeking land must follow the proper legal channels. He highlighted that while the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works oversees official land allocations, agricultural land falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Agriculture. “Straying from these established procedures only opens avenues for land barons to exploit the situation,” he warned.
To combat the issue, the Government has launched capacity-building workshops aimed at educating traditional leaders on their roles and responsibilities. These initiatives seek to equip them with the knowledge needed to manage communal lands effectively while ensuring adherence to legal frameworks. Authorities have expressed concern that some leaders manipulate their constitutional mandates, leading to public distrust.
The law is clear: according to Section 282 of the Constitution, traditional leaders are custodians of communal land, but ownership and control remain vested in the President under the Communal Lands Act. Despite this, some have chosen personal gain over duty, jeopardizing the very communities they are meant to protect. Prof Jiri urged the public to avoid dubious land deals and secure proper documentation through the relevant ministries. “There’s no need for anyone to obtain an offer letter from a window somewhere,” he said. “Engage the authorities that offer land, not anyone else.”
