Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — The Government of Zimbabwe has released the long-awaited findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sale of State Land in and Around Urban Areas, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing concerns over land governance in Zimbabwe.
The findings were made public through General Notice 608 of 2026, following a directive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in line with Section 62 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to access information held by the State. The notice was signed by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya.
The comprehensive inquiry examined land transactions spanning two decades, from 2005 to 2025, focusing on the allocation, sale, and ownership of State land in peri-urban areas.Authorities say the probe was necessitated by growing concerns over widespread irregularities, including corruption, multiple allocations, and the proliferation of illegal settlements on the fringes of major cities and towns.
Nine provincial reports have been released, covering Harare Metropolitan Province, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands Province, Manicaland, Masvingo Province, and Matabeleland South. Each report details patterns of land allocation, identifies systemic weaknesses, and is expected to guide corrective policy measures.
Government officials indicated that the publication of the reports is part of broader efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in land administration, a sector that has faced sustained criticism from the public and stakeholders over the years.The inquiry’s release follows persistent public outcry over controversial land deals, particularly in peri-urban areas where rapid population growth has intensified demand for residential stands.
Analysts say the findings could pave the way for reforms aimed at restoring order, protecting property rights, and curbing abuse within local authorities and land allocation systems.
Although one section of the official notice reportedly contains a typographical inconsistency referring to “since 2025,” authorities clarified that the scope of the inquiry remains firmly anchored on the period beginning in 2005.
The full reports are now accessible to the public, with stakeholders expected to scrutinise the findings and recommendations as the Government moves to implement reforms in the land sector.
