Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, has intervened in a tense land dispute at Fox Farm, assuring residents no one would be evicted, pledging a comprehensive land regularisation process following accusations that the district lands office was involved in corruption and irregularities in the allocation of agricultural plots.
The minister’s visit on Wednesday came after he received numerous reports, including from local traditional leaders, to address growing frustrations among villagers who claimed that new settlers were being allocated land already occupied by others, deepening conflict at the resettlement area.
Residents have long accused the Matobo District Lands Office of corrupt practices and irregularities, alleging that officials were illegally allocating land to newcomers, which encroached on the plots of those settled since 2014.
“When I joined the office, I received many reports about Fox Farm. Chief Masuku also called me about the same and I drove to his home,” Minister Nguluvhe told a gathered crowd, which included Chiefs Masuku, Fuyane, Nyangazonke, Bidi, the provincial and district lands committees, and Matobo District Development Coordinator (DDC), Obey Chaputsira.
When Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Latiso Dlamini Maseko, introduced the delegation and mentioned the Matobo District Lands Officer, Johane Zifunzi, the crowd, including the chiefs, visibly expressed their annoyance, indicating they were fed up with his alleged corrupt ways.
The minister immediately sought to calm fears, stating that his primary goal was stability and fairness.
“I have said no one must fail to get land in Matabeleland South… My request is to the people and chiefs: know that in 10 to 15 years’ time, your children will want a place to stay. Let’s do this land allocation properly.”
He outlined the history of the farm, which was gazetted for resettlement in 2014 with an initial 101 settlers who, however, had not received formal title deeds.
The current population stands at 173, but Minister Nguluvhe revealed that Fox Farm has the capacity to accommodate up to 400 people.
“We looked at this farm and know that it is big; it can accommodate 250 to 400 people,” he said, adding that the solution was not to remove people but to formalise their status.
“In short, I was told the chiefs were consulted and also brought lists, civil servants also brought lists and when I add those lists it comes to 173. So why is there noise?”
Nguluvhe acknowledged the administrative failures that led to the chaos, noting people were not supposed to build before being regularised.
“We are now regularising… if you were on the list and find someone else there, no, don’t chase anyone. It’s a mistake that happened,” said the minister, offering a formal apology.
“What I can say to you is if the government offended you, that is us; I am very sorry, as an office we are very sorry.”
The minister presented a pragmatic, albeit ‘controversial,’ solution to the core conflict between the original 2014 settlers and more recent arrivals.
He declared that those who had already built and established themselves on the ground would not be moved, regardless of which list they were on.
“To fix this, if you are in the 101 list and you have built here, know that you are not going anywhere,” he stated.
“And if you are on the 101 list and went away, we are going to look for another spot while the other person who came and established themselves will also not leave.”
His position was reinforced by a Colonel from the Joint Operations Command (JOC) who accompanied him.
The officer told the residents, “It doesn’t help which list as long as you are here on the ground you would be regularised… If you left and are now coming back, you will apply. The land is here.”
Minister Nguluvhe issued a stern warning against corruption within the land allocation system, emphasising that land is free and should not be sold by individuals.
“Why must you pay someone to give you land? Land is for free; you pay rates and fees to the government, not an individual,” he said.
He also stressed that all allocations must follow the proper legal channels through the district lands committee, which includes Zanu PF officials as it is the governing party.
“No one must come from Bulawayo (or elsewhere) and approach the DDC or lands and be given land without the lands committee knowing,” he instructed.
The minister cautioned the community against letting the dispute foster division.
“It will ferment tribalism and we don’t want tribalism,” he said, while also asserting a priority for local inhabitants.
“But we must also consider and understand that children from Matobo come first.”
This sentiment was echoed by Chief Masuku, who, while thanking the minister for his intervention, requested that “if there is space left after locating everyone, please prioritise giving land to Matobo children from under Bidi, Nyangazonke, Fuyane; they are struggling now that land is semi-arid and can’t farm.”
The underlying frustration with local lands officials was palpable during the meeting.
A moment of tension also arose during the question and answer session when the minister referenced a list of the initial 101 people.
Residents immediately rejected it, shouting, “It’s not the one!” “Then how do you know who is on the list?” the minister asked. “We know each other,” they replied. To which the minister retorted, “Because you brought relatives.”
Concluding the meeting, Minister Nguluvhe declared the matter resolved.
“I have resolved this issue; there is no problem. No one will leave; we will make sure everyone has land to stay,” he said, redirecting the community’s energy towards development issues.
“I am expecting you to say we don’t have roads or water; that’s what you must tell me. Not to talk about troubles… my car almost fell, why can’t you grade the roads?”
He assured the residents that his office remains open for any further grievances.