By Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – April 7, 2025 – As Zimbabwe approaches its 45th independence anniversary on April 18th, the contentious issue of land remains a deeply felt grievance for many citizens. Decades after the end of colonial rule, complaints of displacement, unequal land distribution, and a perceived lack of transparency in land management continue to fuel public discourse. This enduring frustration is amplified by recent developments, including a controversial interview with prominent businessman and ZANU-PF member Kudakwashe Tagwirei on the state broadcaster ZBC.
The land question in Zimbabwe is a historical wound that dates back to the colonial era, where indigenous populations were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for white settlers. While the post-independence land reform program aimed to address this historical injustice, its implementation has been marred by accusations of corruption, unfair allocation, and violence.
For many Zimbabweans, the promise of equitable access to land remains unfulfilled. Reports persist of land being allocated to foreign investors while local communities struggle for arable land. Furthermore, allegations of partisan distribution, favouring those with political connections, continue to erode public trust in land governance. The plight of communities displaced during the colonial era, such as the Harare royal family of the Mbari clan people, whose calls for the restoration of the Harare Kingdom remain unaddressed, serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved historical injustices.
The recent interview with Kudakwashe Tagwirei on ZBC has further ignited the debate surrounding land issues. While the specific details of his statements are subject to interpretation and scrutiny, the fact that a figure of his prominence, with close ties to the ruling party, addressed the issue has drawn significant attention.
Tagwirei’s interview touched upon the progress made in land redistribution, the government’s current policies regarding land ownership and foreign investment, and potentially addressed some of the criticisms leveled against the process. Tagwirei emphasized the successes of the land reform program, highlighting the number of indigenous Zimbabweans who have gained access to land and the economic benefits derived from it. He defended the government’s approach to land allocation, including agreements with foreign investors, arguing that such partnerships are crucial for economic growth and development.
Criticism on land issues in Zimbabwe touch on the downplay or dismissed concerns about unfair allocation and lack of transparency, potentially attributing such complaints to political opposition or misinformation.
Regardless of the specific content, the interview is likely to have been met with skepticism by many Zimbabweans who feel marginalized by the current land dispensation. The lack of transparency surrounding land deals and the perceived impunity of powerful individuals have fostered a climate of distrust. The role and fairness of the Land Commission also come under scrutiny in this context. Established to ensure equitable and transparent land administration, the commission’s effectiveness is often questioned by those who feel their grievances are not being adequately addressed. Allegations of bias and a lack of teeth in enforcing regulations have further undermined public confidence in the institution.
Key topical issues surrounding land in Zimbabwe that continue to fuel complaints include: The perception that land has been disproportionately allocated to politically connected individuals and elites, while ordinary citizens remain landless. Lack of transparency, concerns about opaque land deals, particularly those involving foreign investors, with limited public information and consultation. The unresolved issue of compensation for those displaced during both the colonial era and the post-independence land reform program. Uncertainty surrounding land ownership and security of tenure, which can hinder investment and agricultural development.
Allegations of corruption and favouritism in the allocation of prime agricultural land is another problem.
The enduring nature of the land question in Zimbabwe underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the issue. While the government often frames the land reform as a necessary step to correct historical injustices, many Zimbabweans believe that the process has been flawed and has created new inequalities. As the nation approaches its 45th independence anniversary, the cry for equitable access to land and transparent land governance remains a central demand, highlighting the urgent need for a fair and inclusive resolution to this long-standing issue. The statements made by influential figures like Tagwirei, while potentially offering a particular perspective, must be viewed within this broader context of historical grievances and ongoing struggles for land justice.
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