President Mnangagwa has hinted that there would never be a reversal of the intended compensation of former farm owners.
This comes amidst attacks in some circles who view the move as a reversal of the land reform programme. For instance, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa described Mnangagwa as a sellout for hinting on compensating former farm owners.
Mnangagwa indicated that as far as the land reform programme was irreversible, compensation was also a necessity.
He said:
In agriculture, the land reform is irreversible and Section 72 of the Constitution is very clear in this regard.
However, the same Constitution provides that no compensation is payable in respect of its acquisition, except for improvements effected on the land before its acquisition
For a long time Government has provided through the fiscus for such payments in respect of the said compensation on improvements of the land. Government will meet its obligation as outlined in the Constitution.
He also indicated that the land reform programme could not be reversed considering that it was at the heart of the liberation struggle. He said:
For the avoidance of doubt, we fought for land and there is no way we will retract our position with regards the land reform.
Neither will we betray our fellow comrades who lie in marked and unmarked graves who paid the supreme sacrifice for this land.
Zimbabwe embarked on a fast-tracked land reform programme in the late 1990s which resulted in the displacement and departure of white farmers.
Related:
- White Former Commercial Farmers Expect US$10 Billion Compensation
- Govt To Identify & Register White Former Farmers For Compensation
- FULL TEXT: Government Update On Compensation Of White Farmers (Land Reform)
- $53 Million Set Aside Towards Compensation Of White Former Commercial Farmers
More: The Chronicle