Title deeds for land in Zimbabwe

Описание: HON. GUMEDE: Afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise on a point of national interest regarding the ongoing validation and securitisation of title deeds being undertaken by the Department of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property through the Digital Land Administration platform. The objective of strengthening property rights, improving the integrity of land records and protecting citizens from land fraud is both commendable and necessary. Thousands of Zimbabweans have invested their savings in acquiring homes and residential stands and any initiative that enhances confidence in property ownership deserves support. However, Mr. Speaker Sir, there is growing public concern regarding the affordability, accessibility and practical implementation of this exercise. Information currently available to the public indicates that property owners may be required to engage in exchange conveyances at a cost of approximately USD200. This excludes VAT and other associated administrative expenses. However, Mr. Speaker Sir, for many families, USD200 represents several months of disposable income. For pensioners, civil servants, widows, informal traders and many low-income households, such costs are simply beyond reach. A programme intended to secure citizens' property rights should not inadvertently become a source of financial hardship, uncertainty or exclusion for the very people it seeks to protect. Hon. Speaker, these concerns are further compounded by the implementation framework established under Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025. The regulations provided for a transitional period ending on 18 July 2027 after which citizens are expected to have validated and securitised their title deeds. Whilst the objective of modernising and securing land records is commendable, there are legitimate concerns as to whether this exercise can realistically be completed within the available timeframe. At present, the relevant services remain concentrated primarily in Harare and Bulawayo. Property owners from other provinces, particularly elderly citizens, pensioners and those residing in rural communities, may face significant travel, accommodation and administrative costs in accessing this process. Without adequate decentralisation of services and robust public awareness programmes, there is a risk that many law-abiding property owners may struggle to comply with the requirements through no fault of their own. There is therefore an urgent need for clarity on several issues of public concern. Firstly, whether participation in the validation and securitisation process is voluntary or mandatory. Secondly, whether existing title deeds remain fully valid and legally enforceable pending validation. Thirdly, what measures are being put in place to protect vulnerable groups from excessive costs associated with the process? Fourth, whether the Government has considered subsidising, reducing or waiving fees for pensioners, low-income earners and other vulnerable citizens. Fifth, whether the Government intends to decentralise the validation and securitisation process to all provinces to improve accessibility and reduce the burden on citizens. Sixth, how rural communities, elderly citizens and persons residing far from conveyancing services will be accommodated and assisted. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, what safeguards exist to ensure that no citizen loses, compromises or is deprived of their property rights solely due to the inability to afford or access the validation process? Hon. Speaker, land and home ownership are matters of dignity. They are matters of security, inheritance and economic empowerment. Any reform in this critical sector must therefore strike a balance between modernisation, affordability, inclusivity and social justice. If not carefully implemented, a well-intentioned programme risks placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens who are already facing significant economic challenges. I therefore respectfully, Mr. Speaker Sir, request that the responsible Minister provide a comprehensive Ministerial Statement to this House, clarifying the legal status of existing title deeds and the cost implications of the programme. THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Members, Hon. Gumede, I think we have heard the jinx of your presentation. As we stand guided by the Standing Orders, please take your seat when I talk and switch off your microphone. The point of national interest is primarily supposed to be one-minute statements but because you are bringing up a very pertinent issue, I would indulge you but you seem now to want to go on and on and repetitively so to speak. HON. GUMEDE: I was wrapping up, Mr. Speaker. I was on my last sentence.