Staff Reporter
Residents, village heads, and chiefs in Mahusekwa have commended the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for launching a much-needed awareness campaign aimed at tackling illegal parcelling of communal and state land.
The campaign, officially launched today in Mahusekwa by ZACC Commissioner, Chido Madiwa, and Government officials, has been welcomed by the community as a critical step towards protecting their land and securing proper land governance.
“We are grateful that ZACC has come to our area to educate us about the dangers of illegal land sales. For too long, unscrupulous people have taken advantage of our ignorance, selling land they do not own. This campaign is giving us knowledge and empowering us to protect our land,” said Village head Mapunga
Several residents echoed the village head’s sentiments, expressing relief that the authorities are prioritizing land corruption issues.
“This is the first time we have seen such a strong message against illegal land deals in our community. Many people lost money buying land from land barons, thinking it was theirs. Now we know the right channels to apply for land and how to report corruption,” said Mrs. Rudo Matongo, a local farmer.
Chief Nyandoro, who also attended the launch, emphasized the importance of involving traditional leaders in the fight against land corruption.
“As custodians of the land, we welcome ZACC’s efforts to partner with us. We have a duty to guide our people and ensure that land is allocated properly and fairly. We will continue to educate villagers to reject illegal land sales and report suspicious activities to the Commission,” he said
The residents and leaders further expressed hope that the campaign will lead to tangible actions against those involved in illegal land parcelling.
“We want to see swift action taken against land barons who have been exploiting our communities. It is only through sustained pressure and community vigilance that we can protect our land and future,” said Village Head Svosve.
ZACC Commissioner, Kindness Paradza, praised the positive reception and urged the community to remain vigilant.
“We count on you, the residents and traditional leaders, to be our eyes and ears. Together, we can stop illegal land transactions and safeguard our communal and state land for generations to come,” he said.
ZACC’s engagement in Mahusekwa has rekindled hope among residents and traditional leaders that coordinated efforts can finally curb rampant land corruption.
