Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is in a blitz for public awareness campaigns in targeted rural communities, as concerns over the invasion of communal farming land by land barons and their urban clients are mounting.
Encroachment on communal farming land is adversely affecting livestock production, as some illegally settled individuals are constructing homes in areas designated for pastures.
Speaking during a meeting with the local community in Mt Darwin, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Mt. Darwin Rural District Council, Engineer Emson Chitsungo praised ZACC for initiating the awareness campaigns.
“We commend ZACC for their proactive approach in launching these awareness campaigns. They are crucial in educating our communities about the illegal activities of land barons and protecting our communal lands and livestock production areas.
“Apart from the Rhodesian Land Tenure Act, our local communities have not received adequate education on land rights and usage. This gap in knowledge has left many vulnerable to exploitation by land barons,” he said.
Environment Management Agency (EMA) official, Cosmas Tembo who was also present at the meeting in Mt. Darwin expressed concerns over the illegal distribution of land in wetlands as well as the destruction of riverbanks and mountains.
“This unlawful activity disenfranchises the local community, creates conflicts between humans and wildlife, and exacerbates drought conditions. Uncontrolled land subdivision and development in environmentally sensitive areas can have serious repercussions for the ecosystem and local livelihoods,” he said.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development official Richard Harunangoni elaborated on the responsibilities of traditional leaders as outlined in the Traditional Leader Act, he detailed the proper procedures for land allocation in communal areas.
“It is crucial to adhere to established legal frameworks and processes when allocating land, this ensures that land distribution is conducted fairly and sustainably, respecting both traditional practices and legal requirements,” he stressed.
Chief Chiswiti Short Kanzou expressed gratitude to ZACC for raising awareness within his community and urged village heads and residents to avoid engaging in corrupt land practices.
The unauthorized distribution of land in Zimbabwe has escalated into a significant issue, leading to severe environmental social and economic repercussions. The Government has adopted a stringent approach against illegal land occupations leading to the arrest of numerous offenders nationwide.
Meanwhile ZACC principal public education officer Mr. Rubben Mutsvairo has assured the nation that the campaign will be done in all parts of the country.
