Story by Wellington Makonese
HARARE – THE decentralisation of land title deed issuance across Zimbabwe is well underway, with more than 2 500 deeds currently ready for processing, officials revealed during a high-level stakeholder dialogue held in Harare this Tuesday.
The meeting, convened to unpack the New Title Deed Policy, brought together various stakeholders including government officials, financial institutions, and civil society, with a special focus on ensuring that children of national heroes, war veterans, and other vulnerable groups are adequately catered for under the evolving land tenure system.
Cde Happison Muchechetere, Chairperson of the Stakeholder Subcommittee on Land Tenure, announced that the establishment of decentralised title deed centres is part of a broader effort to streamline land ownership processes and ensure equitable access to documentation.
“We have been working to realise the President’s vision of empowering landholders by establishing one-stop centres that bring together banks and key government departments. We are processing over 2,500 title deeds for applicants, and more centres will be opened in the coming weeks to facilitate nationwide coverage,” he said.
The initiative is a key component of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Land Tenure Implementation Programme, which is aimed at regularising land tenure, enhancing security of ownership, and unlocking the economic value of land for beneficiaries.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasised the need for financial institutions to align with the policy by offering tailored support to historically disadvantaged groups.
“This programme gives due attention to war veterans and descendants of fallen heroes. Banks must consider the specific context and background of these landholders to ensure inclusive access to credit and support,” he said.
Representing the Children of National Heroes, Ms Bellinda Cele commended the government’s approach and called for continued collaboration.
“Our goal is to safeguard the legacy of our parents by securing legal land rights. We welcome the government’s directive and reaffirm our commitment to work within the national framework to ensure land tenure for widows, children, and all rightful beneficiaries,” she said.
The decentralisation process is set to bolster efficiency, transparency, and localised service delivery, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles historically associated with title deed issuance.
President Mnangagwa officially launched the policy as part of the Second Republic’s agenda to resolve outstanding land tenure matters, empower citizens, and foster economic development through land-based investment.
