HARARE – Former opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has issued a strong statement against recent land displacements in Zimbabwe, calling them “unjust” and “a violation of several provisions of the Constitution.”
Chamisa accused the current government of abusing its power and failing to protect citizens’ land rights.
He also criticized the Communal Lands Act as “draconian and colonial,” arguing that it denies most Zimbabweans true ownership of their land. He proposes issuing title deeds to both resettled farmers and those in communal lands to provide legal protection and security.
“The communal lands act is draconian and colonial. Most Zimbabweans are just occupiers of the land not its owners. Ownership is more than occupation. This sad situation must be addressed immediately.
“No citizen should endure the heartache of losing their home. It’s unjust for the state to overlook years of investment in building a home, only to demolish it later.
“Land belongs to everyone. Dignity is an inalienable right and every citizen’s God-given and hereditary entitlement. Land is a gift from God.
“The recent displacements and destruction of property run foul of the law and violate several provisions of the Constitution, including: a)Section 71 – Property Rights b)Section 68 – Administrative Justice c)Section 51 – Dignity d) Section 74 – Freedom from Arbitrary Eviction,” he said.
Chamisa argues that there is a need to review the Communal Lands Act to protect citizens’ rights and prevent “unjust and unmerited displacement.”
“The law governing communal land ‘erroneously’ vests all land in the President. The Minister has other powers delegated to him regarding communal displacements.
“The law allows the President to make declarations that affect the rights and interests of citizens living in communal land.
“The President can declare that it is no longer communal land. He is under no obligation to consult the citizens, to consider their interests or to account to them.
“This must and will change. Citizens must be empowered to have a say in matters affecting them through land displacements,” he said.
Chamisa called for a transparent land registry to ensure fair and equitable land ownership. He further advised the government to depoliticise land allocation by making land accessible to all without political bias.
He said the government should ensure displaced individuals are adequately rehomed and compensated.
The main opposition leader said there is a need for authorities to prioritise local communities in investment projects by making them “key beneficiaries” and involving them in negotiations.
Chamisa also emphasised that matters of national interest like land reform should be above partisan politics, urging for cooperation to address the issue.
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