MP calls for land tenure security, warns against ‘selling our minerals in disguise’

Pelandaba-Tshabalala MP Joseph Tshuma (Zanu PF) has claimed that there is a need for a law guaranteeing secure land tenure, particularly in communal lands.

Tshuma emphasised the historical significance of Zimbabwean land, highlighting the sacrifices made during the fight for independence. “Our land is a land where blood was shed,” he declared, drawing strong support from his colleagues.

The debate comes amidst concerns about potential loopholes that could allow for the sale of communal land. Tshuma vehemently opposed such a notion, citing the example of Kenya where, according to the lawmaker, land was “re-bought” by former colonisers after title deeds were issued.

He argued that land security is not just about soil, but also about protecting Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources.

“We have so many minerals. God gave us minerals in abundance,” Tshuma asserted, comparing Zimbabwe’s platinum reserves with South Africa’s. “We are one of the richest countries in Africa,” he claimed, suggesting that those seeking to buy land might have ulterior motives.

“Besides, what people should understand about this land issue is that wherever we have land, we have so many minerals. God gave us minerals in abundance. We are one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of mineral resources.

“If you put South Africa and Zimbabwe, we have 85% in terms of platinum in the whole world, and then there is someone coming here disguised as if they want to buy land for farming, yet we know that the actual thing they want is what is down there. We cannot sell it.

“So we cannot afford, ladies and gentlemen, to sit here and want to even debate or discuss the issue of saying let us sell the land because basically, what we are saying is we are selling our minerals in the disguise of selling land.

“Minerals are invaluable Mr. Speaker Sir. They are worth trillions and trillions of dollars as compared to the value of land that some one will simply buy. Therefore, we cannot sit here and want to condone such an argument,” the MP said.

Tshuma’s stance contrasts with South Africa’s approach, where some argue for greater land ownership rights for black South Africans who were historically disadvantaged under apartheid.

Both nations, however, seem to be grappling with similar anxieties, ensuring equitable access to land while protecting valuable resources.