ILLEGAL land allocations have become one of the greatest threats to orderly development in Zimbabwe’s rural and peri-urban communities. Against this backdrop, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube’s call for traditional leaders to guard against land barons is both timely and necessary.
Communal land is a precious national resource. It supports livelihoods, provides space for agricultural production and sustains communities that have lived on it for generations. When unscrupulous individuals illegally parcel out land for personal gain, they do more than violate the law. They undermine development plans, create ownership disputes, strain public services and leave communities vulnerable to future hardship.
The warning that structures erected outside approved master plans and settlement procedures will be demolished sends a clear message that lawlessness cannot be allowed to take root. While demolition is often painful and disruptive, particularly for families who may have invested their savings in unlawful settlements, the consequences of tolerating illegal developments are far greater. Unplanned settlements often emerge without roads, water infrastructure, sewer systems, schools or clinics, creating long-term challenges that become expensive and difficult to resolve.
Traditional leaders occupy a unique position in Zimbabwean society. They are trusted custodians of land, culture and community values. Their authority places them at the frontline of efforts to prevent illegal settlement schemes before they gain a foothold. Chiefs, headmen and village heads are often the first to become aware of suspicious land transactions and therefore have a responsibility to act decisively and in the best interests of their communities.
Encouragingly, Government increasingly recognises that traditional leaders are not merely custodians of heritage. As Minister Ncube correctly pointed out, they have evolved into important development partners who help drive food security, conflict resolution, environmental conservation and community mobilisation. This broader role means traditional leaders must be active participants in development planning rather than passive observers.
The challenge goes beyond combating land barons. Zimbabwe is also preparing for a potentially difficult agricultural season amid warnings of a possible drought linked to a developing Super El Niño phenomenon.
In such circumstances, the role of traditional leaders becomes even more critical. They must champion climate-smart agriculture, encourage participation in programmes such as Pfumvudza and help communities build resilience against climate shocks.
Traditional leaders also remain key players in addressing pressing social challenges, including drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence and child marriages. These issues often have deep roots within communities and require the influence and moral authority that chiefs possess.
The Government’s continued support through infrastructure development, solarisation, borehole drilling and agricultural input schemes demonstrates an appreciation of the value of traditional institutions.
However, support must be matched by accountability. Communities expect their leaders to protect communal assets, uphold the law and place collective interests above individual gain.
Zimbabwe’s development aspirations depend on orderly, sustainable and inclusive growth. Illegal land allocations threaten that vision. The message from Government is clear: land barons have no place in the country’s future. Traditional leaders must now rise to the challenge, defend communal land and ensure that development takes place within the framework of planning, legality and community welfare.
The fight against illegal land allocations is not simply about protecting land. It is about safeguarding the future of rural communities and preserving opportunities for generations to come.
Source: Chiefs must lead the charge against land barons – herald
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