Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE National Council of Chiefs has called for a nationwide investigation into the illegal sale of communal land, warning that the growing practice of so-called sabhuku deals is fuelling land disputes, unplanned settlements and undermining the country’s communal land administration system.
The call was made during the Mashonaland Central Provincial Chiefs’ Council meeting in Mazowe, where traditional leaders raised concern over the increasing illegal allocation and sale of communal land, which cannot legally be bought or sold.
National Council of Chiefs Vice President, Chief Fortune Charumbira said a coordinated response involving relevant government ministries is needed to curb the practice.
“We have issues of sabhuku deals, where village heads are allegedly selling fields and communal land. In some areas, it is not village heads, but influential individuals, including some civil servants, who no longer want to stay in towns and seek communal land, bending the rules in the process. Those found guilty must face the law because communal land is not for sale… We need a nationwide investigation involving the Ministries of Local Government and Lands to deal with this problem,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Chiefs’ Council Chairperson, Chief Matsiwo said traditional leaders do not condone the illegal sale of communal land.
“The issue of sabhuku deals I don’t think chiefs support this. As custodians, we don’t encourage that; we prohibit even the sale of fields because that is our heritage.”
Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Chiefs’ Council, Chief Negomo said chiefs are working to curb the emergence of land barons in their jurisdictions.
“Chiefs aired their views, the challenges they are facing and we discussed this issue of subhuku deals. No chief supports this; we are concerned that land barons have started in our area, so we are putting our heads together to put a stop to this.”
Government commended traditional leaders for supporting national development programmes and urged them to continue exercising their constitutional mandate in promoting good governance and community development.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, said:
“As government, we are proud of your partnership and support in ensuring the successful implementation of the Second Republic’s development agenda championed by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Albert Mavhunga, added:
“Chiefs must understand their constitutional mandate as they play a significant role in cultural preservation, conservation and overall development of grassroots communities.”
The biannual Provincial Chiefs’ Council meeting also reviewed community development programmes, dispute resolution mechanisms and the welfare of traditional leaders.
