UNDP Zimbabwe reaches 3.7 million people through health and energy initiatives

Government approves discounted land purchase scheme for veterans and civil servants

The government has approved a new land purchase incentives framework offering significant discounts to war veterans, ex-detainees, civil servants, and other individuals associated with the liberation struggle. This initiative, approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and overseen by the Land Tenure Implementation Committee chaired by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, aims to strengthen land tenure and boost agricultural production. War veterans will receive land at reduced rates, ranging from US$10 per hectare in Region 1 to US$1.17 per hectare in Region 5, with an additional 85% discount applied after the concessional rate. Ex-detainees, restrictees, and non-combatant cadres are eligible for a 30% discount, while collaborators will receive 15%. Serving and retired civil servants will benefit from tiered discounts based on their years of service, from 5% for over five years to 30% for over 40 years. The framework seeks to formalize land ownership, expand access to land, recognize contributions to the liberation struggle and public service, and support agricultural investment and rural stability. Beneficiaries must apply through the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development, and those who have already made payments will be reimbursed. Critics, however, suggest the move is intended to placate war veterans who have opposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and attempts to extend President Mnangagwa’s term.