Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has stepped in to resolve a land dispute at Fox Farm in Matobo District, assuring villagers that no one will be evicted.
Nguluvhe visited the area on Wednesday following numerous complaints, including from traditional leaders, about rising tensions among villagers.
They alleged that new settlers were being allocated plots already occupied by others, fuelling conflict within the resettlement area. Said Nguluvhe:
“When I joined the office, I received many reports about Fox Farm. Chief Masuku also called me about the same and I drove to his home.
“I have said no one must fail to get land in Matabeleland South… My request is to the people and chiefs: know that in 10 to 15 years’ time, your children will want a place to stay. Let’s do this land allocation properly.”
Villagers have long accused the Matobo District Lands Office of corruption and irregularities, claiming officials were illegally allocating land to newcomers, encroaching on plots occupied by settlers since 2014.
The meeting brought together villagers, traditional leaders, and government officials, including Chiefs Masuku, Fuyane, Nyangazonke, and Bidi, members of the provincial and district lands committees, and Matobo District Development Coordinator Obey Chaputsira. Matobo District Lands Officer Johane Zifunzi was also in attendance.
During the meeting, Minister Nguluvhe outlined the history of Fox Farm, which was gazetted for resettlement in 2014 with an initial 101 settlers who had yet to receive formal title deeds.
He said the farm’s current population stands at 173 but emphasised that it has the capacity to accommodate up to 400 people. Said the Minister:
“We looked at this farm and know that it is big; it can accommodate 250 to 400 people.”
“In short, I was told the chiefs were consulted and also brought lists, civil servants also brought lists and when I add those lists, it comes to 173. So why is there noise?”
Minister Nguluvhe admitted there had been administrative slip-ups that caused the confusion, pointing out that people weren’t supposed to build before being formally regularised.
He offered a practical, if somewhat controversial, solution to the dispute between the original 2014 settlers and the newer arrivals: anyone who had already built and settled on the land would stay put, no matter which list they appeared on.
Nguluvhe’s stance was backed by a Colonel from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) who accompanied him.
The minister also issued a firm warning against corruption in the land allocation process, stressing that land is free and must not be sold by individuals.
He reminded everyone that all allocations must go through the proper legal channels via the district lands committee, which includes ZANU-PF officials as the governing party.
More: CITE
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