Motion to the Senate on the security of land tenure
Mr President I rise to close the motion seeking to provide security of tenure to farmers.
I would like to thank Honourable Senators who contributed to this motion which was seconded by Senator W.Sibanda.
Contributors were
Senator Holland
Senator Ncube
Senator Mlotshwa
Senator Makore
Senator Tawengwa
Senator Chief Chisunga
Senator Machingaifa
Senator Sibanda
Senator Mabhugu
Senator Khumalo
Senator Marava
Senator Musaka
Senator Mashavakure
Most Senators were supportive of the motion while a few suggested alternative ways to provide collateral. Senator Mashavakure suggested that some type of land bank could be created which would be more flexible towards farmers.
There are three reasons why this motion should be supported by all Zimbabweans:
With regard to agricultural land, as a nation, we need to align ourselves with the Constitution. Section 289 in the Constitution: Principles guiding policy on agricultural land section d) says “ The land tenure system must promote increased productivity and investment by Zimbabweans in agricultural land”
The economic recovery of Zimbabwe is centred on agricultural recovery. As Senator Tawengwa pointed out: 12 million hectares of land was nationalized becoming State Land. Now that Government is no longer in a position to provide inputs, farmers need to stand on their own. To provide security of tenure and credit to roughly 200,000 new small farmers is very different and more complicated than dealing with 4,000 farmers.
Research, extension, marketing and other services would now need to learn how to service more numerous farmers. For the sake of the nation we should persevere, as we all understand that when we own the house we live in, we care for it better than when we lease or rent it. It is the same with land. As Senator Makore expressed, this motion will drive development upwards from the grassroots which will not only empower farmers, but also enrich the generality of Zimbabweans.
If the process is transparent and accountable the international community will financially support it and release billions of dollars into the Zimbabwean economy providing much needed liquidity.
The strategy for agrarian transformation requires that we deal not only with; security of land tenure on agricultural land; but also a land audit leading to valuation, compensation and a survey and registration exercise. Previous land audits have revealed many issues which remain contentious and unresolved. The proposed Land Audit needs to provide clarity as to the definition of ‘under-utilisation’ of land and recommend solutions by verifying land records allowing for improved land administration moving forward.
The revival of the economy can be achieved by mobilising funds for compensation from the international community through a compensation model which; revalues the land and establishes a market for land, gives new farmers real bankable security of tenure which as Senator Mlotshwa pointed out could be passed on to an individual’s children.
This will not reverse current land ownership profiles, nor is it a backdoor for white commercial farmers to get back into the sector.
Once paid off, white farmers would fall, equally with all Zimbabweans, under a new land dispensation, as is stated clearly in the constitution. Financing the cost of compensation would be achieved through the issue of bonds underwritten by credible international agencies. These bonds could carry a term of 25 years, and an interest rate based on international market rates. They would be negotiable only in Zimbabwe and denominated in US dollars thus “locking in” huge amounts of capital in the country.
The difference between this motion and many other motions put before this House is that this motion does not appeal to Government for resources or help. This motion simply asks Government to allow all Zimbabweans the freedom to own agricultural land.
This will align the law with the Constitution, empower farmers, create jobs, and financial liquidity. Resources will be available to implement it.
With these words I ask the Senate to adopt this motion.
Senator Carter