By A Correspondent

The issue of land barons continues to be a major problem in Zimbabwe’s urban centers, with unscrupulous individuals parceling out land to unsuspecting home seekers. Recently, the government issued a stern warning to these land barons, signaling their intention to clamp down on the illegal allocation of urban land. However, while the government has voiced its concerns and commitment to address this issue, the question remains: is the government truly sincere in its efforts to punish those responsible, or is there a deeper, more complex dynamic at play?

At a Strategic Workshop held by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in Bulawayo this Wednesday, Minister Daniel Garwe expressed the government’s concern over the rise of illegal land allocations. He reiterated that all urban land should be distributed through legal entities and in collaboration with local authorities. The Minister stressed that the government did not want to see houses demolished, emphasizing the importance of home seekers following proper procedures when purchasing land.

A Double-Edged Sword: Government’s Complicity in Land Barons’ Activities

While Minister Garwe’s statement appears to show a firm stance against illegal land dealings, the reality on the ground suggests that the government might not be entirely innocent in this matter. Many observers point to the government’s historical and ongoing role in enabling and sometimes even encouraging land barons to operate unchecked.

There is an undeniable connection between government officials, local authorities, and land barons. In many cases, these land barons have ties to powerful figures within the ruling party and local government. Some land barons even benefit from access to land through political influence or are allowed to operate with impunity due to their connections. These relationships often go unnoticed or are deliberately overlooked, allowing the illegal sale of land to continue unabated.

The very institutions meant to regulate land distribution—such as local councils and planning authorities—are often embroiled in corruption or lack the resources to effectively monitor and control land transactions. With weak enforcement of land regulations, it is easy for land barons to flourish in an environment where illegal land deals are not only common but often tacitly approved by local authorities.

The Role of Local Authorities

Minister Garwe’s comments also revealed some frustration with local authorities, particularly in cases where homes are demolished due to illegal land sales. He stated, “It is very sad to see people’s houses being demolished. The local authority demolished on their own will, whereas they could have given people more time to decide their next move.” This statement, while sympathetic to home seekers, also highlights the inconsistency in how local authorities enforce land laws. Local councils are sometimes quick to demolish homes built on illegally allocated land, yet they are often slow to act against the land barons responsible for the illegal transactions in the first place.

In some cases, local authorities have been accused of turning a blind eye to the activities of land barons, either out of incompetence or because they are complicit in the illegal dealings. Without clear oversight and accountability, the cycle of illegal land sales continues, and many home seekers are left in the dark about the legitimacy of their land purchases until it’s too late.

A Pattern of Failure to Act

The government’s repeated promises to crack down on land barons have often been met with little tangible action. In many cases, those caught selling land illegally are given light sentences or even allowed to continue their activities. While some high-profile land barons have been arrested in the past, there is little evidence to suggest that these actions are part of a broader, sustained effort to tackle the issue.

Additionally, the legal framework surrounding land allocation in Zimbabwe remains riddled with ambiguities and loopholes, which make it easier for land barons to exploit the system. The slow pace of land reform, coupled with a lack of transparency and accountability in the land distribution process, creates an environment where corruption can thrive. Government officials who publicly condemn land barons may, behind the scenes, be directly or indirectly involved in perpetuating the problem.

Conclusion: A Case of Lip Service?

While the government’s statements regarding the illegal sale of land are concerning and may seem like a step in the right direction, the question remains whether there is a genuine political will to punish land barons and reform the system. Until the government can demonstrate more than just lip service and take concrete steps to tackle the root causes of illegal land allocations—including holding corrupt officials accountable and reforming local authorities—it is difficult to take its promises seriously.

The reality is that land barons thrive because they are able to exploit the weaknesses and contradictions within the current system. If the government is truly committed to punishing land barons, it must first address its own role in perpetuating the problem and implement meaningful changes that hold all those responsible—whether they are private individuals or public officials—accountable. Only then can the government begin to restore trust and protect the rights of ordinary citizens seeking to own homes in Zimbabwe’s urban centers.