Tongai Mnangagwa Urges Legalisation of Informal Settlement on Airport Expansion Land

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Tongai Mnangagwa, has appealed to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to formalise the occupation of an illegal settlement situated on land designated for the expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.

In a letter dated 2 July 2025, addressed to CAAZ CEO George Mashababe, Mnangagwa—who also serves as the ZANU-PF Member of Parliament for the Hunyani constituency—advocated for the regularisation of housing in Bellapaise Estate, claiming it lies within the airport’s “green zone” and not in the restricted yellow zone.

Mnangagwa argued that the request stems from the growing demand for housing in the area. Drawing a comparison to developments in Arlington, he stated that both areas fall under his jurisdiction and that his role as MP requires him to serve all residents without discrimination.

“This request, if approved, will help alleviate the burden of relocating over 3,000 households currently settled in Bellapaise,” he wrote.

However, Tongai Mnangagwa’s actions have raised concerns. In the run-up to the 2018 elections, he was previously accused of collaborating with former councillor Rai Gwenyambira to distribute land illegally as a political campaign strategy.

He has also been linked to contentious land takeovers in Manyame, Southern Roses, and Eyestone, some of which encroached on cemeteries and protected areas.

The issue of illegal settlements near the airport is not new. In 2015, the late President Robert Mugabe ordered the destruction of structures erected by the Nyikavanhu Housing Cooperative, labelling the settlement a security and developmental threat to aviation operations.

Globally, urban development near airports is discouraged due to safety concerns. Experts warn that placing residential homes too close to runways increases the risk of casualties in the event of aviation accidents.

Mnangagwa’s latest plea to CAAZ reopens a debate on balancing urban housing needs with aviation safety regulations and responsible land use.