Statement by Ben Freeth, Spokesperson for SADC Tribunal Rights Watch, Zimbabwe, regarding the Zimbabwean government’s issuance of title deeds to holders of land expropriated from white commercial farmers:
<blockquote>
SADC Tribunal Rights Watch is concerned about the Zimbabwe government’s current plans, overseen by the highly controversial and US-sanctioned businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to issue “title deeds” for farms that already have legally issued title deeds owned by former white commercial farmers, small holders, members of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) whose properties were seized, and others.
These title deed owners have not been compensated for their land, despite having final and binding court judgments which confirm that such original title deeds are still bona fide.
At an event on President Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm near Kwekwe on Friday 20 December 2024, a handful of farmers, including Mnangagwa, received “title deeds” to the farms they are currently on.”
Such deeds fly in the face of international law and the Southern African Development Community’s SADC Treaty of 1992.
The final and binding judgement of the Southern African Development Community’s SADC Tribunal in the Campbell case, will render these new “title deeds” unbankable and, in the final analysis, worthless unless there is first a full and fair settlement with the owners of the original title deeds.
In 2008, the tribunal found for a group of Zimbabwean farmers on the basis that they were deprived of their land without the right of access to the courts and the right to a fair hearing, both of which are essential human rights.
In this way, the tribunal held that the Zimbabwe government breached the provisions in the SADC Treaty: Mike Campbell (Pvt) Ltd and Others v Republic of Zimbabwe (28 November 2008).
As is the case with the various and numerous attempts to issue new currencies in the Zimbabwean economy — there have been six attempts in 15 years to replace the US dollar as the primary currency — these new “title deeds” will become worthless.
We fully support any initiative to issue bona fide title deeds on farms that have been authentically bought by the Zimbabwe Government and in communal areas where Zimbabweans have never enjoyed the benefits that freehold title deeds accrue to their owners.
We applaud governments like the Rwandan government and others for their bold move to issue many millions of bona fide freehold title deeds to their people and thereby emancipate those people, creating wealth for them and the country from “thin air”.
We are convinced that this, along with the firm establishment of the rule of law, is the fundamental game changer which will allow Africa to overcome poverty.
As the president of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina pointed out in November 2023, “Our governments must realise their responsibility to lift people out of poverty and into wealth as quickly as possible.”
The current move by the Zimbabwe government to issue what have been described by some as “counterfeit title” will only create more confusion and stagnation in the agricultural economy and in Zimbabwe generally.
The Zimbabwe Government needs to return to the rule of law, re-establish justice systems, obey final and binding judgments such as the Campbell judgement in SADC Tribunal, and allow its people the freedom to develop by ensuring freehold title deeds are fully bankable and transferable to all Zimbabweans, irrespective of their political allegiance, tribe or race.
If this is done, the economy will grow exponentially in a dramatic and exciting way and investment will pour into the land of Zimbabwe, securing our status as a great African success story. 
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The Zimbabwe government is giving out new title deeds, but they are not real. People who already own the land legally are not being compensated. This goes against the law. The new title deeds are worthless and cannot be used in banks. The government needs to follow the law, issue real title deeds, and support the people to grow the economy. If they do this, Zimbabwe can become a successful country with lots of investment and opportunities for everyone.

"Zimbabwe Government’s Newly Issued 'Title deeds' Unbankable And Worthless"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday launched the Land Tenure Implementation Programme, a new policy that allows beneficiaries of the land reform programme to sell their land as well as use it as collateral to borrow from banks.
This represents a major change in Zimbabwe’s land policy, as previously resettled farmers were not allowed to transfer ownership.
However, land can only be sold or transferred to “indigenous Zimbabweans” (black Zimbabweans) and will require government approval.
The land reform, which began in 2000 under former President Robert Mugabe, saw tens of thousands of black Zimbabweans take over white-owned farms. 
The reform aimed to correct colonial-era land imbalances, but the new farmers were not allowed to sell or transfer land, which was considered state property.
This made it difficult for them to access bank loans, as they couldn’t use their land as collateral.
At a ceremony on his Pricabe Farm near Kwekwe, Mnangagwa and a few farmers received title deeds for their land.
He said that the new policy would help “unlock the value” of the land, making it both “bankable and transferable.” Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
Land tenure security is critically important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development.
It encourages investment, improves agricultural production and productivity, and lifts many out of poverty into prosperity.
… the importance of more secure, bankable and transferable land tenure cannot be overstated. Such a tenure document is the ultimate empowerment tool for our farmers, especially war veterans and their children.
The title deed, which my Government has developed for issuance to farmers, will preserve security and spur investment for accelerated livelihoods’ upliftment and economic development.
My administration has, therefore, made a bold decision to empower the beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme by giving them tenure that will unlock the value of our land, allowing it to be used as collateral.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also announced a Land Tenure Technical Committee chaired by controversial businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, to spearhead the process for other resettled black farmers.
Posting on X, former Harare East MP, Norman “Rusty” Markham, said:
<blockquote>
For the avoidance of doubt and the sake of clarity, KUDA in charge of the land tenure committee follows after abusing ZESA to a standstill from the Dema project, Kuvimba and MUTAPA shenanigans now controlled, now only the land left.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa has a new policy where land reform beneficiaries can now sell or use land as collateral. In the past, they couldn't transfer ownership. Only black Zimbabweans can buy the land and government must approve. This helps farmers access bank loans. Mnangagwa says this will make the land more valuable and boost the economy. A committee will help other farmers get land titles. Some people are worried about who is leading the committee. The new policy aims to help farmers and boost the country's economy.

Mnangagwa Unveils Land Tenure Policy Granting Titles To Land Reform Beneficiaries

Farmers unions have welcomed the changes to the country’s land tenure system that were announced by the government on Tuesday.
Under the reformed system, beneficiaries of the land reform programme will now receive a bankable, registrable, and transferable document of tenure from the government.
The government said that these adjustments will unlock the full value of the land and boost the country’s overall economic performance.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/land-tenure-overhaul-heralds-new-era-for-farmers/">The Herald</a>, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General said the new model will enable farmers to access capital from financial institutions. Said Zakariya:
<blockquote>
I think this settles a matter that has been long outstanding, the need for farmlands to be used as security for all agricultural borrowings or for borrowings related to farm development, including agricultural production.
So, over the last two decades, farmers were securing loans using properties outside the farmlands and that was not sustainable.
Number one, because of the size of the borrowings for instance, if you are using a house, that house would not secure a long-term asset.
So, before, the values were very low, because the assets outside the farms were also not carrying so much, you can imagine someone using their house in Budiriro to develop a commercial farm somewhere.
The transferability of land gives comfort to financiers, that if anyone, by any means, defaults on their loans, the bank now has a fallback, which means the debt can actually be financed by somebody else and the firm then transfers ownership to whoever may have financed the debt.
So, this is a game changer in terms of unlocking value on our land under the Land Reform Programme. And indeed other lands too. They had lost the value completely. They had zero value. Now, this restores value, the value of land.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust (ZWIFAT) president Depinah Nkomo said the new land tenure system will allow farmers to develop infrastructure on their farms. She said:
<blockquote>
Now we will be very confident especially us women because we will be able to access financing and we will also be able to transfer ownership as stipulated.
Before this development, we were not even confident to build proper infrastructure on our land so the President has heard our cry and as women, we are very happy we can now start our projects confidently and freely because we will now have that security.
</blockquote>
Economist Prosper Chitambara, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033401/new-land-laws-biggest-heist">NewsDay</a>, said the changes to the land tenure system are important not only for the land itself but also for Zimbabwe’s broader economic development. He said:
<blockquote>
I think it is critical in terms of ensuring the productive utilisation of the land and also unlocking full value, private sector investment and finance from private financial institutions while allowing land to be transferable.
That is one of the things a lot of scholars and observers have been advocating. I think that is the way to go to unlock the full value of land in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) president Lawrence Nyazema said that while the new land tenure system provides farmers with more secure and transferable land rights, banks will still need to see evidence of sound business plans and the ability to generate steady income streams. Said Nyazema:
<blockquote>
Land is not as collateral that a farmer can walk into a bank requesting a loan because he or she has land. A farmer must have a project that generates money.
It is very difficult for a farmer to just approach a bank and ask for money just because they have the land. If he or she fails to pay for the loan, the bank should be able remove them from the land.
It is prudent for the farmers to come up with project proposals that they can develop to make sure that they are able to access the funds and repay the loans.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers' unions are happy about changes to land ownership. Now, farmers will get official documents for their land from the government. This will help them get loans to improve their farms. Women farmers are especially excited about building on their land. Economists think these changes are good for the economy too. Banks say farmers need to have good plans to get loans, not just land. Everyone agrees that these changes will make a big difference for farmers and the country's economy.

Farmers' Unions Hail Land Tenure Reforms As Game-Changer For Agricultural Sector

Renowned Zimbabwean journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono says the country’s land reform programme, which was accelerated by the Robert Mugabe administration around 2000, needs to be redone.
Chin’ono said that productive farmers should receive land, rather than allowing politically connected individuals to acquire large tracts of land that they subsequently lease out.
Chin’ono’s remarks came in response to a statement issued on Tuesday, October 1, by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi concerning allegations that community members invaded Strathmore Farm in Banket and stole potatoes.
Commissioner Nyathi said the farm belongs to Retired High Court Judge Vernanda Cecil Ziyambi and is currently leased to Jonathan Timothy Mackwade for potato farming.
He also said preliminary investigations suggest the farm manager authorised farm workers and locals to collect damaged potatoes from the harvested field the day after the harvest was completed.
In his comments, Chin’ono asserted that land is currently held by the wrong people and should be reallocated to those who will use it productively. Wrote Chin’ono on X:
<blockquote>
To my South African friends and followers on this timeline who are always asking me why Zimbabweans come to South Africa to do menial jobs when they have land in Zimbabwe. Below is your answer.
What you are reading in the document in the quoted tweet (statement by Commissioner Nyathi) explains what went wrong with land reform in Zimbabwe.
Land is given to those connected to ZANU-PF, but they are not necessarily farmers.
They then rent the farms to white farmers who were kicked off the land, so what happened in Zimbabwe is not land reform, but thugs taking over land and renting it out instead of giving it to people with expertise to use it.
In a normal society, a judge who is not a farmer would not have been given land only to rent it out to the real farmer. 
This makes food in Zimbabwe more expensive because the farmer has to pay rent to someone who produces nothing and got the land for free without paying a penny.
Judges receive these farms as a thank you for passing illegal rulings against the regime’s political opponents! 
Land is in the hands of the wrong people. 
If the real farmer had been given access to this state land, the cost of potatoes would be cheaper because they wouldn’t have to factor in rent paid to the “farmer-owner.”
Land reform will have to be redone in Zimbabwe in a way that is sustainable, fair, and economic. 
What ZANU PF did is akin to invading a plane without knowing how to fly it, then asking the pilot to use it for a while in exchange for rentals.
The real farmer can’t develop the farm because it is not in their name, as they can be kicked off by the official owner.
Land is in the hands of a ZANUPF mafia that charges protection fees/rentals to white farmers to allow them to continue farming.
This practice perpetuates historical inequalities and has negative economic consequences for the country.
The cost of food production rises due to this added layer of rent, and the overall productivity of the agricultural sector suffers because experienced farmers are not given the opportunity to fully utilise their skills and resources.
A sustainable and equitable land reform process would prioritise allocating land to those with the knowledge and experience to use it effectively.
This would not only improve agricultural productivity but also help address historical injustices and empower previously disadvantaged communities.
Today, the majority of the previously disadvantaged are still disadvantaged. I was one of the top three Boer goat breeders in Zimbabwe from around 2015 doing it at my ancestral plot.
A former governor for Mashonaland East asked me to join ZANUPF if I wanted land. Of course, I politely said no.
The judge can’t own land, it is state land. She has a lease, and because she is part of the ruling elite, she can rent it out and make money from something she didn’t pay a penny for. Her husband, Tarisai Ziyambi, was also a government minister.
If people who can produce and have the production expertise have to beg people who can’t produce for land, it is a Banana Republic. Zimbabwe is a crime scene!!!!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe needs to redo land reform because wrong people have land. Land is given to politically connected people who rent it out. This makes farming more expensive and lowers productivity. The real farmers are not given a chance to use the land effectively. Land reform should be fair and give land to those who can use it well. Currently, those with expertise in farming are overlooked. Hopewell Chin'ono says land reform should be redone in a way that helps everyone, not just a few people.

Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme Must Be Redone - Chin'ono

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Arthur_Mutambara/">Arthur Mutambara</a>, has claimed that top ZANU PF officials now hold the title deeds to farms they seized from white farmers during the land reform programme. Speaking at the launch of his book, “Ideas and Solutions: In Search of the Elusive Zimbabwean Dream,” Mutambara alleged that the late former President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Robert_Mugabe/">Robert Mugabe</a> lacked faith in the land reform programme and believed it would be challenged by future generations. Mutambara also claimed that Mugabe’s lieutenants acquired title deeds to their farms to protect themselves from future reclamation. He said:
<blockquote>
In my book, I also reveal some interesting information. Mugabe did not have faith in the land reform programme. He said to me: ‘Mutambara, this land reform programme will be challenged by future generations.’
Fifty years from now, they will be sitting and saying those guys in the year 2000 parcelled the land among themselves. We were not there, let’s reverse this thing’. Now, if Mugabe was of that mindset, you know what he did, he does not have a 99-year lease, he bought these farms and he had title deeds.
</blockquote>
According to Mutambara, the officials purchased the farms from displaced white farmers, who were first driven away before being approached six months later to sell their farms at a fraction of their initial price. Mutambara claimed that the officials were able to pay for the farms by “burning money” during former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gideon_Gono/">Gideon Gono</a>‘s tenure. 
He also bemoaned the closing of democratic space in the country ahead of elections.
During the book launch, Citizen Coalition for Change deputy spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Ostallos_Siziba/">Gift Siziba</a> commented that Arthur Mutambara’s new book presented solutions to address the leadership issue in Zimbabwe. Siziba stated that the book reminded young people that Zimbabwe is not short of ideas, but lacks effective leadership to improve the lives of ordinary people.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mutambara Alleges ZANU PF Officials Acquired Title Deeds For Seized White-owned Farms

The ruling party in Zimbabwe, ZANU PF, has denied allegations that the government is distributing title deeds and legitimising illegal settlements to gain votes in the upcoming elections this year.
The party’s director of Information and Publicity, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tafadzwa_Mugwadi">Tafadzwa Mugwadi</a>, made the claim in an interview with ZiFM’s Larry Kwirirayi on Monday night. 
Title Deeds and Elections:
When asked whether the ZANU PF administration was handing <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Epworth">Epworth</a> residents title deeds to persuade them to vote for the ruling party, Mugwadi said:
<blockquote>
We’re not doing it for elections. Last year there was no election when the president made that promise. When that promise was made, the opposition said that this was a lie, this was a political gimmick. No title deeds were going to be issued to residents in Epworth. No one took him (President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a>) seriously but the residents did and that’s why we won the Epworth constituency anyway.
</blockquote>
The president made a promise to grant title deeds to Epworth residents in March of last year, just before the 26th March by-elections. ZANU PF’s Zalerah Hazvinei Makari won the Epworth constituency in those by-elections.
Epworth is a residential suburb located in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe" title="Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>‘s capital city, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare" title="Harare">Harare (formerly Salsbury)</a>. It is, however, not a part of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare" title="Harare">Harare</a> City Government. Salsbury refused to incorporate Epworth so it remained a separate community.
Retaining Land Ownership; 99-year-lease
Mugwadi stated that the government plans to maintain the 99-year leases to prevent land abuse, but he was unclear whether residents of Epworth who received title deeds are allowed to sell their residential properties. He said:
<blockquote>
We know very well that there are attempts by white people to reclaim land in Zimbabwe through backdoor means. What that means is that iwewe Larry tikakuti chitora maTitle deeds pa700 hectare farm iwe wonotsvaga Mr Jones kuti chihuyai mundibatsire kurima kana kuti woritengesa kuna Mr Jones iwewe wakariwana nemarii kuGovernment? You were given freely by government through the Land Reform Programme. Isn’t that so? So no one must seek to claim title over what he got freely from Government. So the thing is, we seek to retain ownership of the land through the state because we know that land reform processes in Africa are under threat from imperialists and neocolonialists who think that land reform should not have taken place.
</blockquote>
Radio show listeners expressed concerns about the difficulty that land beneficiaries may face in developing the land, which could potentially be taken away from them at any time.
Zimbabwe has carried out land reform in various stages since 1980, with the most notable being the Fast-Track Land Reform program initiated by the Robert Mugabe government in the early 2000s.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZANU PF Speaks On Title Deeds, Land Ownership, 99-year Leases, 2023 Elections

A War veteran, Dzingai Nevhunjere, has been jailed for six years after being convicted of a stock theft offence he committed 20 years ago during the chaotic fast track land reform programme.
The 64-year-old was nabbed with a herd of 16 cattle he had seized from Thomas Charles Bayley at his home in Mvurwi.
He had denied the accusations, but prosecutors proved that he committed the offence using his privilege as a war veteran during that time.
Nevhunjere escaped the nine years mandatory sentence after Harare magistrate Victoria Mashamba considered that the offence was committed when common law was still in place.
Prosecutors proved that Nevhunjere stole 16 cows from Bayley back in 2002.
Bayley was the owner of Danburry Park Farm in Marlborough, Harare.
The court heard Nevhunjere and some youths invaded the farm on April 13, 2002, and prevented Bayley from entering it.
They barricaded the entrance using poles and drums and then forced Bayley’s family out of the farm that had 977 full grown cattle and 210 calves.
On April 5 and 7, 2002, Nevhunjere then drove 20 cattle to his Omeath Farm in Mvurwi.
Sixteen beasts were recovered from him on November 13, 2003, after Bayley identified them.
It is not clear what happened to the remainder of the 20, although the court was told that on several occasions, the war veteran would order youths to slaughter the beasts for meat.
When Bayley was finally allowed to enter his farm on July 13, 2002, he collected 1 042 cattle and discovered that 145 beasts were missing.
In passing the sentence, the magistrate said she will also consider that Nevhunjere is now an old family man.
She also considered the circumstances around the commission of the offence.
She said the Nevhunjere was a first time offender as such deserved leniency. Said the magistrate:
<blockquote>
When the accused committed the offence, it was because he wanted to implement what he fought for (as a war veteran). But this did not go well because you end up taking someone’s cattle.
</blockquote>
The magistrate however ruled that his moral blameworthiness is high because he was a commander and took advantage of his authority by stealing and distorting the agrarian reform.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/war-vet-jailed-six-years-over-20-year-old-stock-theft-case/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

War Veteran Jailed 6 Years For Stock Theft Committed During Fast Track Land Reform

Bloomberg, a publication headquartered in the United States of America has said the Zimbabwean Agriculture sector is booming once again.
The publication attributes the development to the “return of white farmers” who had been dispossessed two decades ago when the government of the late founding leader of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe embarked on the Land Reform Programme. Said the publication: 

<blockquote>
The people tending the crops are, again, mostly White farmers. 
Mugabe’s often violent program, partly designed to bolster political support ahead of a crucial election, slashed exports, prompted Western nations to impose sanctions and tipped the country into economic turmoil. The state’s now seeking funds to compensate the ejected farmers.
Today, the fertile land around the capital, Harare, is dotted with expensive irrigation equipment and wheat, corn and tobacco production is soaring, while a nascent blueberry industry is earning precious foreign currency. 
</blockquote>
The publication further dismisses claims by state-controlled Sunday Mail on October 24, 2021, that Zimbabwe had  successfully implemented “the historic land reform program” that “sought to correct historical imbalances in land distribution and ownership.” Said the publication: 

<blockquote>
In reality, it has failed.
Zimbabwean farming is dominated by large companies such as British American Tobacco and Innscor Africa that hire growers to produce on their behalf on a commercial scale. 
Many of the Black Zimbabweans who occupy the fields as a result of Mugabe’s seizures are paid just a few percent of profits by those who manage the land.
</blockquote>
Bloomberg attributes the “failure” by African farmers to excel in the sector to their lack of skills and the capital to cultivate effectively.
More: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-10-29/next-africa-zimbabwe-s-farming-boom-masks-20-wasted-years">Bloomberg (By Antony Sguazzin)</a>

Zimbabwe's Agriculture Booming As White Farmers Return - Bloomberg

A section of former commercial white farmers who were ejected from farms during a fast track land reform programme in Zimbabwe have made fresh demands putting the US$3.5bn land compensation deal agreed on last year in limbo.
The farmers have reportedly tabled new demands including getting back their land expropriated by the government under the land reform programme more than 20 years ago.
The latest developments come after the government conceded in March this year that it has no capacity to pay the initial US$1.75bn (part of the US$3.5bn) by the end of July this year.
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<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-what-did-white-farmers-expect-black-politicians-to-do-tiktikor-on-land-reform/">WATCH: “What Did White Farmers Expect Black Politicians To Do” – TikToker On Land Reform</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/update-judgment-on-zimbabwean-farmers-v-south-africa/">Update: Judgment On Zimbabwean Farmers v South Africa</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/govt-says-it-will-use-mining-profits-to-compensate-white-former-farmers/">Govt Says It Will Use Mining Profits To Compensate White Former Farmers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/white-farmers-quietly-returning-to-their-farms-biti/">White Farmers Quietly Returning To Their Farms – Biti</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/war-vets-sue-ed-over-3-5-billion-white-farmers-compensation-deal/">War Vets Sue ED Over $3.5 Billion White Farmers Compensation Deal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/full-text-communique-on-us3-5bn-compensation-agreement-between-zimbabwe-and-dispossessed-farmers/">FULL TEXT: Communique On US$3.5Bn Compensation Agreement Between Zimbabwe And Dispossessed Farmers</a></li>
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Potential international financiers have also demanded that the government should securitise its vast minerals, as Zimbabwe has been struggling to pay debts owed to international lenders.
Business Times reports that the deal is now in limbo as farmers are now demanding their land back, although amendments for a new deal had been agreed between the government and the farmers.
They view the delay by the government to compensate former commercial farmers as a breach of the compensation deal. Business Times was told:
<blockquote>_There are some divisions within the former commercial farmers’ camp as a considerable number of farmers want their land back rather than financial compensation while others want monetary compensation as they have already found somewhere to farm hence need that money as capital for their projects._
And the other challenge is that the international financiers are threatening to dump the deal after the government failed to give concrete answers on the repayment of the new debt._
_As a result, international financiers want the government to securitise its minerals to fund the deal, a pact which the government is not willing to commit to._</blockquote>
Commercial Farmers Union president Andrew Pascoe told Business Times:
<blockquote>_We want to get back to our members at the weekend where we will give them the amended documents but currently we are engaging the authorities on some issues which we think should be addressed._</blockquote>
The compensation which is for the value of improvements, biological assets and land clearing costs for the land which was compulsorily acquired for resettlement was premised on normalising relations between Zimbabwe and the international community.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/ex-farmers-table-fresh-demands/">Business Times</a>

Zimbabwe: Former Farmers Make Fresh Demands

Former Springbok star, Tendai The Beast Mtawarira’s recent interview has torched a social media storm with some saying he was bad-mouthing about Zimbabwe.
Mtawarira who was explaining why he left Zimbabwe mentioned the “collapsing economy”, “the fast track land reform” and “a lot of commotion” in the country and this did not go well with many social media users. He said:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 320px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="320" id="video-206822-1" preload="metadata" width="320"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-LEAVING-ZIM.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-LEAVING-ZIM.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-LEAVING-ZIM.mp4</a></video></div>

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<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/06/full-text-i-will-certainly-miss-that-as-the-beast-retires/">FULL TEXT: “I Will Certainly Miss That”, As The Beast Retires</a></li>
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</ul>
Pindula News present some of the responses below.
Ntate Mdluli Ranaka @MdluliNtate
<blockquote>He went to the best schools in the land, but according to him he left Zimbabwe because there were a lot of bad things happening, there was a lot of commotion, land grabs &amp; people were getting kicked out of their farms.
What is it with Zimbabweans &amp; bad-mouthing their country?
I left Zimbabwe to pursue my ruby career after I got awarded a scholarship by Sharks. It’s that simple!</blockquote>
David Tinashe Hofisi @DavidHofisi
<blockquote>We were taught to ingratiate ourselves to whiteness by espousing neoliberal contempt for pro-poor and pro-indigenous black empowerment reforms. Nothing would please the interviewer than showing sympathy for her kind and how they were (mis)treated by Muuugobhiiii</blockquote>
Gerald Maguranyanga PILOT @maguranyanga
<blockquote>My bro @beast_TM I’ve proudly supported your whole career but this I’ll call out. STOP bad-mouthing Zimbabwe on privileged platforms. Land reform was hectic but è correct thing. You left Zim for S/Africa for better opportunities. Simple</blockquote>
 Majaira Jairosi @MJairosi
<blockquote>ZanuPF idiots always think telling the truth is akin to bad-mouthing.</blockquote>
Minister of Shurugwi @tamiswa_njovana
<blockquote>We must agree on how whites initially got the land. Party aside. Insults aside. Don’t u think?</blockquote>
 #AspiringDictator @JaqueSand
<blockquote>Sometimes when all is going well it’s best to remain quiet. The minute you open your mouth and things go downhill</blockquote>
TapiwaNjikizana @tapnjiks
<blockquote>Beast was sharing his truth and objectively speaking a few million other Zimbabweans agreed with his assessment and left. He didn’t criticise the land grabs he just correctly assessed that they caused confusion. He’s been a great ambassador for brand Zimbabwe, very proud of him.</blockquote>
Dr. Mziwandile Ndlovu @Thwalimbiza
<blockquote>Were you not listening? He says his folks didn’t have much. Sending him to that good school came at great sacrifice to them. He went to Azania with only R2 000. More proof of humble beginnings.He used to walk to rugby practice when teammates drove luxury vehicles.Just truth.</blockquote>
 Gerald Maguranyanga PILOT @maguranyanga
<blockquote>Please, Beast was on a rugby scholarship at Peterhouse. You’re all over. And utterly clueless. Anyway, I forgive you. Carry on with your unknowing political angle and unsure “facts”
Nonsense! People crossed into South Africa from RHODESIA since 1940s. Rugby offers solid opportunities in S/Africa. @Beast_TM 
moved; earned fantastic rugby opportunities. HOW ON EARTH WAS HIS MOVING CONNECTED TO THE “LAND GRAB.” BTW, è land grab visiting @GovernmentZA 
soon.
.. at the very best of times, only one country in Africa, South Africa with decent rugby opportunities. It will be lime that; at least for the next 20 years. Rugby a minority sport. Good players like Beast end up in South Africa or overseas. Simple</blockquote>
 Ranga Mataire @rangamataire
<blockquote>The guy is a moron- typical of blacks currying favour from whites to present themselves as pitiful figures. It’s a shame.</blockquote>
@BantuPower
<blockquote>Is believe the answer lies in our largely inherited colonial education system that continues to churn out neo-colonially aligned influencers? Rugby in Zimbabwe &amp; many other African countries was a game of the privileged in society most played in private schools.</blockquote>
Ndini Harare @HarareNdini
<blockquote>But his family members benefitted from land resettlement programme</blockquote>
Admire Ndlovu @admirendlovu9
<blockquote>Tourism ambassador
<img alt="MTAWARIRA AMBASSADOR" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-206824" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-AMBASSADOR-230x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-AMBASSADOR-230x300.jpg 230w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MTAWARIRA-AMBASSADOR.jpg 704w" width="230"/></blockquote>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News;</a> <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Mtawarira">Tendai Mtawarira Biography</a>

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