Latest news with #Masuka
Arabian Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Title Deeds Under Fire: Zimbabwe's Land Reform Faces Parliamentary Scrutiny
Zimbabwe's ambitious land reform initiative, aimed at issuing title deeds to farmers, has come under intense parliamentary scrutiny, with legislators questioning the legal and financial viability of the new tenure documents. During a heated session in the National Assembly, Lands and Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka faced a barrage of inquiries concerning the bankability and constitutional grounding of the title deeds being distributed to A1 and A2 farmers. Minister Masuka defended the government's decision, stating that the issuance of title deeds is rooted in the 2013 Constitution, which allows the President to grant more secure tenure documents. He acknowledged that previous instruments, such as 99-year leases, permits, and offer letters, had failed to instill confidence among financial institutions, rendering them ineffective as collateral for loans. 'The experience that we have had over the years is that these tenure documents were not readily accepted by banks as collateral,' Masuka admitted. He emphasized that the new title deeds are intended to provide a more secure form of land tenure, thereby facilitating access to financing for farmers. Despite these assurances, Members of Parliament expressed skepticism about the practical implications of the new title deeds. MP Stanley Sakupwanya questioned the legislative measures in place to ensure that the title deeds would indeed guarantee a farmer's security in terms of securing loans. MP Gumbo raised concerns about the legal status of the title deeds, pointing out that since ownership of the land is retained by the State, the bankability of the deeds remains questionable. 'What are the legal mechanisms and the legislative interventions that you are going to present to ensure the bankability of the said title deeds?' Gumbo asked. ADVERTISEMENT Minister Masuka responded by asserting that the legal aspects had been addressed within the framework of the Constitution and the Zimbabwe Land Commission Act. He highlighted that five banks are currently operating within the Department of Lands at a one-stop center, ready to offer mortgages to farmers holding the new title deeds. 'We hope that other banks will be able to replicate this, and we urge all farmers that have received title deeds to use these documents to access much-needed financing,' Masuka stated. The government's initiative to issue title deeds is part of a broader strategy to unlock the financial value of land and enhance agricultural productivity. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has projected that this approach could unlock as much as US$15 billion from land assets, providing a significant boost to the country's economy. However, the rollout of the program has not been without challenges. Concerns have been raised about corruption within the Ministry of Lands, with allegations of officials allocating land in wetlands and grazing areas, depriving villagers of essential agricultural and pastureland. The government has stated that cases of fraudulent land allocation have been reported to security agencies, including the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The title deeds are being issued through a streamlined process facilitated by a One Stop Centre, which consolidates various services to expedite the issuance of the documents. The process involves verification of land ownership, land surveys, and assessments to determine the purchase price, with the aim of reducing the time and complexity involved in obtaining title deeds. The government has committed to prioritizing key demographic groups, including war veterans, women, youths, and people with disabilities, in the distribution of the title deeds.
TAG 91.1
13-02-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
Best Minister Award presented at WGS
Anxious Masuka, Zimbabwe's Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, has been honoured with the Best Minister Award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The prestigious accolade recognises public officials who have led sustainable, high-impact initiatives driving social and economic progress. Masuka was honoured for his transformative leadership in Zimbabwe's agriculture sector. His achievements include achieving wheat self-sufficiency in 2022 with a record harvest, reducing import reliance for the first time in over two decades. With a vision to boost maize production, expand irrigation, and implement climate-resilient farming, Masuka accelerated dam construction, launched large-scale irrigation rehabilitation, and established an e-agriculture college for accessible digital learning. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that exceptional ministers are drivers of positive change, ensuring that every decision enhances the government's performance. He added that ministers who prioritise their responsibility in serving people and fostering innovation are crucial to shaping the future. Mohammed bin Rashid presents Anxious Masuka, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe, with the Best Minister Award at the World Governments Summit 2025. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 13, 2025 A rigorous assessment process to select the winner analyses achievements on the macro and micro levels, selecting countries that fall in the top four global macro and socio-economic aggregated indices, namely: Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, the World Governance Indicators, Human Development Index, and the Happiness Index. Shortlisted ministers are then closely assessed by a judging panel comprising high-level government officials and C-Suite individuals from renowned corporations. Judgement is then made based on the following criteria: 40% for innovation, 25% for impact and inclusivity, 20% for continuity and feasibility, and 15% for the presentation.
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Meet winner of ‘Best Minister Award' who made Zimbabwe self-sufficient in wheat
In recognition of his efforts in the field of agriculture, Zimbabwean minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Anxious Jongwe Masuka was announced winner of this year's 'Best Minister Award' during Dubai's World Government Summit (WGS). Masuka's achievements include achieving wheat self-sufficiency in 2022 with a record harvest, reducing the country's reliance on imports for the first time in over two decades. Masuka received the award on Thursday in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Masuka said, 'We are climate-proofing agriculture, and we need to accelerate that, so that whether there is rain or not, we can produce enough to feed ourselves and also begin feeding a growing and needy global market,' he added. He commented on receiving the award by saying: "Well, this award is very humbling, but I receive it on behalf of farmers and the people of Zimbabwe and the colleagues back home." The Best Minister Award, which is organised by WGS in collaboration with PwC Middle East, recognises public officials who have led sustainable, high-impact initiatives that drive social and economic progress. In its eighth edition, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the role ministers can play in moving toward a better future. He said during the award ceremony: 'Exceptional ministers don't merely occupy positions; they lead transformative change. They turn every decision into a valuable contribution, every challenge into an opportunity, and every idea into a tangible reality that shapes history and the future.' Winners of the prestigious award are selected based on their countries' achievements and whether they are in line with four global indices: Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, the World Governance Indicators, Human Development Index, and the Happiness Index. A panel of judges then assess the shortlisted ministers based on the following criteria: 40% for innovation, 25% for impact and inclusivity, 20% for continuity and feasibility, and 15% for the presentation.
