The Ministry of Agriculture has directed “all remaining white farmers be issued with 99-year leases instead of five as per previous arrangements” signalling a change in policy by the Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration.
Mnangagwa has said that the Zimbabwean Government will not reverse the land reform programme but is willing to compensate white farmers who lost their properties. Agriculture Minister Perence Shiri is on record saying that there will be no new farm invasions. He also stopped the eviction of David Worwick by Thabitha Kanengoni-Malinga, then minister of state in former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s office, and other settlers.
However, Ben Gilpin, director of the Commercial Farmers’ Union, reacted cautiously to the policy announcement that white farmers should be given 99 year leases and said they will seek clarification on the matter. Said Gilpin:
We have seen the letter and we are seeking clarification. People have gone to various offices and there hasn’t been a uniform response.
More: News24