THE government has bowed down to pressure from liberation war fighters over land tenure fees following an explosive meeting held at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare a fortnight ago.
A comprehensive land purchase incentive framework aimed at widening access to land ownership for war veterans, ex-detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, collaborators and civil servants has been approved.
Announcing the measures, Land Tenure Implementation Committee chairperson, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, said the framework, approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was designed to strengthen land tenure security, boost agricultural productivity and promote equitable access to productive land.
“The framework seeks to formalise land ownership, strengthen tenure security and enable productive agricultural investment through affordable land acquisition,” Tagwirei said in a statement yesterday.
He said the package also recognises the sacrifices made by veterans of the liberation struggle and the contribution of public servants to national development.
Under the new framework, war veterans will access agricultural land at concessionary rates based on agro-ecological regions and land productivity.
In Region 1, eligible beneficiaries will be able to acquire up to six hectares at US$10 per hectare, Region 2 capped at 10 hectares at US$6 per hectare, while Region 3 beneficiaries may acquire up to 20 hectares at US$3 per hectare.
For Region 4, the allocation rises to 40 hectares at US$1,50 per hectare, while those allocated land in Region 5 may acquire up to 70 hectares at US$1,17 per hectare.
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Tagwirei said war veterans will also receive an additional 85% discount after the application of the concessionary rates.
Ex-detainees, restrictees and non-combatant cadres will qualify for a 30% discount on land purchases in recognition of their role during the liberation struggle.
Collaborators will be eligible for a 15% discount.
Civil servants, both serving and retired, will also benefit under a tiered discount structure linked to years of service.
Those with more than five years of service will qualify for a 5% discount, rising to 10% for more than 10 years, 20% for more than 20 years and 30% for those with over 40 years of service.
“This measure recognises the long-term commitment of civil servants to national development and aims to provide a pathway to asset ownership and economic security,” Tagwirei said.
He said the initiative aligns Zimbabwe’s land reform programme with international best practice on equitable access to resources, while supporting intergenerational wealth creation and rural economic stability.
Eligible beneficiaries have been urged to engage the Lands and Rural Development ministry for guidance on application procedures and to ensure all supporting documentation is in order.
Tagwirei added that individuals who have already made payments under previous arrangements will be reimbursed, with further guidance to be provided by the relevant authorities.
There were reports that some farmers are being charged as much as US$1,5 million depending on the size and region of their farms by the committee.
