Story by Panshe Nagoli
HUNDREDS of Zimbabweans have embraced the government’s digital title deeds programme, with more than 150 property owners successfully digitising their title deeds since the initiative was launched in May.
The Title Deeds Validation and Securitisation Programme, introduced under Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025, is designed to verify the authenticity of property records and securely digitise them to curb fraud, duplication and other irregularities.
Harare legal practitioner Mr Lloyd Mhishi said digitising his title deed on July 31 demonstrated the convenience and efficiency of the new system.
“It was really an eye-opening experience for me to digitise my title deed. What was really interesting was how seamless the process was and how the end-product looks. I can even check that deed on my phone.”
A Senior Partner at Mhishi Nkomo Legal Practice, Mr Mhishi, who has more than three decades of experience in conveyancing, said the Digital Land Administration Platform (DLAP) has simplified property transactions.
“I get my OTP on my phone, then log into the account. From there I view all the deeds and apply for securitisation. When the application is approved, the client can view it online and also conduct online searches.”
The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs says public response to the programme has been encouraging.
Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Nyemba said uptake has steadily increased since the programme was rolled out.
“Since the roll-out in May this year, the uptake has been really impressive and people are beginning to understand the benefits of this programme because it is about removing the several challenges in the sector. To date, hundreds of people have applied and just over 150 have successfully digitised.”
She said the process is straightforward, with conveyancers facilitating applications through the Digital Land Administration Platform.
“The process is really simple; a title deed holder simply looks for a conveyancer of their choice and it is that conveyancer that then does the process through the DLAP system and all this is for US$215 and has massive benefits.”
Beyond title deed digitisation, the Digital Land Administration Platform will also support mortgage bond registration and cancellation, as well as online deed searches, enabling members of the public to access title deed information through the Deeds Office website and mobile application.
