Source: How gaining access to land opened up opportunities for women following land reform in Zimbabwe | zimbabweland Land reform enabled some women to claim land. Gaining access to land, our informants explained, offered independence and autonomy. In our discussions across the sites, the connection between land access and ‘freedom’ was repeated again and again. […]
Land reform enabled some women to claim land. Gaining access to land, our informants explained, offered independence and autonomy. In our discussions across the sites, the connection between land access and ‘freedom’ was repeated again and again.
The land occupations in 2000 were highly varied, but many women joined them. These were either independent women, including young, single women, divorcees and widows, or women joining the occupations as their husbands were at work and so not available. Within the ‘base camps’ women were allocated separate areas to camp and were heavily involved in the social reproductive tasks of sustaining the occupations: cooking, collecting water and looking after infant children and babies who had come with them. Mai M from Masvingo district explained:
I came here during the fast-track land reform. I came here with both men and women; the gender split was 50:50. We arrived and claimed the farm from the white farmer… We came here with [a group of women]. Some people were married, while others were single women who had already separated from their husbands.
MM from Mvurwi explained how, as a war veteran, she was at the forefront of the land occupations, joining independently and later bringing her husband and family:
I was at the forefront of the fast-track land reform; we are the reason people ended up with all these farms. I did not consult my husband about joining the fast-track land reform campaign because it was not something to discuss at home. We made this decision in meetings at the war veterans’ association. My husband had no right to stop me from joining the cause because that was my job.
Mai N from Gutu district recounted her story. The challenges of juggling childcare with establishing new homes and farms were highlighted, along with the dangers faced by single women during the occupations:
We came here for fast-track land reform as women; my husband was at work. I joined the war at the end, but I am not really a war vet… There were eight women who came here, and then we were later joined by four men. We initially lived together as a group of eight in the compound at Bath Farm, and later divided, with each person building their own homestead. The sleeping arrangements were a bit challenging. My husband built me a big rondavel, and everyone slept there. When it was time to sleep, everyone came to sleep at my house because my husband had installed a very strong door. We also had a language we used as a signal for communication in case an enemy attacked us, so if the slogan was not used, we would not leave the house or answer. We stayed together from May to August under the base commander. We then separated when I got my land here, and the other four women I was with got land in Salem, the other three got their land in Bath farm… I left there because there were three married brothers, including my husband in one farm, with a piece of land for their mother. So, the farmland was inadequate, and we would end up buying food because the produce wasn’t enough. When we came here for land reform, I brought the youngest child, and the other two initially remained in Gutu. The other two came when they were a little older; the oldest child was in Form 1, and the other daughter in Form 2. I did not have help at the beginning; I used to juggle farming and looking after the children. It was my kids and I doing all the work. That is how we managed things, maybe because we were eager to own the land.
Mrs C from Masvingo district explained that the early days of the occupations were filled with uncertainty. The invaders who came to the farms on the bus were mocked, and people questioned whether building good houses made sense if the land reform got reversed:
We were led by Comrade B; he would come by to check that everyone was doing well. There was unity and teamwork during that time, but now everything is individualistic….. [my husband] was the one who started building nice houses, but people were concerned that the allocated land might be taken back, so what was the use in investing in building. Sometimes we would use the same bus going to Masvingise, and people would make fun of us when we were dropped off in the bush. They thought we were unwise to pursue the farms.
BN from Matobo district explained how she joined the land occupations with small children:
I came here when the children were still young; the last born was three months old. I survived through farming, selling produce and some of it to GMB to feed my children. If I failed to harvest much, I would go work in other households, building mud houses. We heard there were land invasions, and I decided that life in the rural areas was a struggle, so I decided to come here with others. The government then came later and pegged the land for us. The land invasions occurred, but they were not violent. We spoke to white people who were here, and they gave us one farm each, since most had two. We learned about the land invasions from the radio; they were saying that those in Matobo should go to a specific area and occupy it, and they will take one from each of the white people with two farms. I came here alone, with my children and built a small hut for myself.
FS from the Masvingo district equally recounted how she came here alone. This was a period of hard work and much hardship. Living alone was terrifying, she explained:
My husband became part of fast-track land reform because they did not have enough land at his village to farm. The village was in the mountains; no cars or even a wheelbarrow could reach it. When we arrived, some of the children stayed behind, while I came with the twins. Having young children and working at the farm, fetching water, and all that was a challenge. We used to constantly move between here and Masvingo; this place does not need anyone with a small child. It’s easier to do the work on your own. We used to ask for help to till the land from those that came before us. We used to grow beans and maize. When it was time to cultivate the land, I would make the children sit down while I worked. The children were staying alone while I was here at the farm. My oldest learned how to cook in grade one. I was mostly staying here alone as my husband was still deployed as a soldier. I was terrified of living alone but I braved it until now.
SM from Matobo agreed that the early settlement period, living alone with small children, was really hard:
When we came here, my husband was working in Bulawayo, while I stayed to clear the land or farm. When my husband was alive, I used to farm here, and I would get a good harvest to sell. Raising children was difficult. When the Esigodini school became a boarding school, my son had to stay behind because I could no longer afford it. The other daughter left school after Form 4. I had six cattle, and I sold one. My husband died before we even started building. I sold sorghum and one cow to help build this place.
Despite the hardships and the real practical and emotional challenges of living alone, Mai M from Masvingo district reiterated the sentiment of many. Access to land allowed women to have a place that they could call their own, where production could take place to support growing children:
I have an offer letter in my name. Getting land helped me because having a place where you and your children can call your own is important. It contributed to the education and upkeep of my children. I used to sell my produce to GMB, and that money helped me buy cattle; it also helped my sons get married.
As NA from Mvurwi explained, moving to the land reform areas offered opportunities that were not available in the communal areas. Especially in a polygamous family, the tensions that existed when there were many family members present could be escaped from, “so we can be free”
When we found out that our husband had found a farm this side, we started comparing it with our life in Chikwira and decided that coming to the farm was better. In Chikwira, we were living a decent life as a family, but we thought continuing to live together was not ideal. We had a place to farm in Chikwira, but because there were many of us, we sometimes did not get along in the family. That is why we decided to leave: to be free. We work on the farm together as a family, but a piece of the land is reserved for our husbands, and we have our own piece that belongs to the wives. When there is too much work, our husband will hire people to help us; otherwise, we usually work with our children. Our husband buys farming inputs for everyone and also pays people to help us in the field when there is too much work.
This is the second blog in the series on social reproduction and land reform. This blog was written by Sandra Bhatasara and Ian Scoones, with inputs from Tapiwa Chatikobo and Felix Murimbarimba. It was first published on Zimbabweland.
Source: Chamisa Points to Dishonesty as Key Obstacle to Zimbabwe’s Progress – ZimEye During an interactive session with citizens on his WhatsApp channel on Saturday, Advocate Nelson Chamisa raised concerns over what he described as dishonesty and betrayal within opposition ranks. Responding to a question on how Zimbabwe’s challenges can be resolved, Chamisa acknowledged the […]
During an interactive session with citizens on his WhatsApp channel on Saturday, Advocate Nelson Chamisa raised concerns over what he described as dishonesty and betrayal within opposition ranks.
Responding to a question on how Zimbabwe’s challenges can be resolved, Chamisa acknowledged the concerns from citizens but suggested that internal issues continue to stand in the way of progress.
“What do you suggest must be done to solve the Zimbabwean problem?” he asked.
He went on to stress that while he appreciates public input, the main hurdle remains a lack of integrity among some stakeholders.
“I hear you. But the only challenge is dishonesty and betrayal,” Chamisa said.
Source: Digital drive gathers pace in rural areas – herald Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, with Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera on Sunday saying no Zimbabwean should be left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda. […]
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, with Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera on Sunday saying no Zimbabwean should be left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking at the 8th Edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving ICT Expo held at Makaha Secondary School in Mashonaland East Province, Minister Mavetera said the initiative was a key vehicle for taking technology and opportunities directly to communities.
“The Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving Expo is designed to take technology, information, and opportunity directly to the people,” she said.
“It bridges the gap between Government programmes and citizens by bringing ICT awareness, digital skills training, innovation and services to communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas.”
Minister Mavetera said the programme was in line with the Second Republic’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy, with ICTs playing a central role in driving innovation, improving service delivery and creating jobs.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for development,” she said.
The Minister also commissioned a new base station in Mutoko and said it was a major step towards improving network coverage under the Government’s Tower Relocation and Infrastructure Sharing Policy.
She said the policy allows mobile network operators to share infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and accelerating the rollout of connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“This base station will connect learners to digital education platforms, empower farmers with real-time information, enable entrepreneurs to participate in e-commerce and improve access to Government services,” said Minister Mavetera.
She said the development would improve network access in the district, where communities previously faced challenges in accessing mobile connectivity.
Minister Mavetera also highlighted the recent launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will guide the adoption of emerging technologies in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education and public service delivery.
She said the Government was implementing various capacity-building initiatives, including the Digital Skills Ambassadors Programme, the Cyberus Cybersecurity Training Programme and the 1,5 Million Coders Programme, to equip citizens with relevant digital skills.
“These programmes are equipping Zimbabweans with the skills required to thrive in the modern digital economy,” she said.
Minister Mavetera urged communities, particularly youths, to take advantage of opportunities presented through ICTs.
“Do not wait for jobs, create opportunities for yourselves through ICT,” she said.
The expo, which attracted stakeholders from Government, academia and industry, also saw the launch of the 8th Edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe Magazine.
Source: Three burnt beyond recognition in Gwanda – herald Freeman Razemba Senior Reporter THREE people were burnt beyond recognition after a cabin they were sleeping in caught fire in Gwanda in unclear circumstances. The incident occurred at Lone Mine 50 Compound, Makwe, Gwanda and investigations are in progress to establish the cause of the fire. […]
THREE people were burnt beyond recognition after a cabin they were sleeping in caught fire in Gwanda in unclear circumstances.
The incident occurred at Lone Mine 50 Compound, Makwe, Gwanda and investigations are in progress to establish the cause of the fire.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner i confirmed the incident.
“The ZRP confirms a fire incident which occurred on March 19, 2026 at around 2200 hours at Lone Mine 50 Compound, Makwe, Gwanda, in which three people died after a cabin they were sleeping in caught fire.
“The victims were burnt beyond recognition and their bodies were taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem. Investigations are in progress to establish the cause of fire,” he said.
Source: Council, community set up oversight committee to drive development in Harare South – herald Obey Musiwa Online Reporter HARARE City Council and local communities have established a joint oversight committee aimed at accelerating development in Harare South through a collaborative model that blends council authority with community ownership—spanning title deeds, clinics, schools and beautification […]
HARARE City Council and local communities have established a joint oversight committee aimed at accelerating development in Harare South through a collaborative model that blends council authority with community ownership—spanning title deeds, clinics, schools and beautification campaigns.
The District Monitoring and Evaluation Team (DIMET) is fast becoming a symbol of how decentralisation can deliver tangible results under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
Speaking to Zimpapers, Harare City Council Regional Manager Engineer Norman Karidza said DIMET was born out of stakeholder engagement and is designed to align regional activities with council policies and the broader Government thrust.
He said the initiative ensures inclusive planning and a sense of ownership among residents.
This initiative is community-centric, aligning our regional activities with the City of Harare strategy, Call to Action, and SI 170 of 2025. The collaborative approach guarantees sustainable development and a sense of ownership in the region,” Engineer Karidza said.
DIMET operates on a three-tier structure comprising implementation, supervisory and steering committees, ensuring that residents are not passive recipients of development but active participants in shaping their future.
Engineer Karidza noted that the three-tier execution strategy provides structure and accountability.
“The implementation team focuses on day-to-day operations within the district. The steering team, headed by the Regional Manager, offers strategic direction in line with council policies, community needs, and government thrust,” he said.
DIMET Supervisory Committee Chairperson Ms Kuziva Barbara Towemhera highlighted progress in securing title deeds, beautification, and health infrastructure. She said the initiative has already delivered title deeds in Southlea Park and is working to extend land security to other districts.
“We managed for Southlea Park to receive its title deeds. Ushewekunze and Border Gezi are still verifying their names to join us,” Ms Towemhera said.
She added that the committee is driving modernisation and social empowerment.
DIMET Implementation Committee Chairman Cde Trust Rutsvara emphasised his personal history with the area and the committee’s role in bridging residents and council. He said DIMET transformed a former tobacco training institute into a clinic proposal, now under council assessment.
“I then proposed a clinic on that tobacco training institute infrastructure and it was seconded by everyone who was there. As we speak right now, the departments of City Council are coming here and there to assess for renovations,” Cde Rutsvara said.
He said the implementation committee champions unity, peace, and development through practical projects.
“We are ambassadors of unity, peace and development between residents and city council. ‘Our community, our responsibility’—that is our slogan,” he said.
DIMET head of Supervisory Committee on Local Governance Pastor Tawanda Utete emphasised governance priorities and the importance of aligning with Vision 2030.
He said DIMET is focusing on infrastructure, service delivery, and transparency as the region transitions from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2.
“We have aligned ourselves with the mantra of President Mnangagwa under Vision 2030. We are mostly considering infrastructure development, service delivery, community engagement, security, land use, and budget transparency,” Pastor Utete said.
