President Orders Transparency on Urban State Land Allocations Since 2005

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that the findings of the Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Tendai Uchena into the sale of State land in urban areas across all 10 provinces, dating back to 2005, be officially published for public access.

The instruction was communicated through General Notice 608 of 2026, released in the Government Gazette by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.

“It is hereby notified that His Excellency, the President, in terms of Section 62 of the Constitution, has directed the publication of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Matter of Sale of State land in and around Urban Areas since 2005, the notice said.

The investigation examined the disposal of State land in major urban centres and provinces, including Harare and Bulawayo metropolitan areas, as well as Matabeleland North and South, Mashonaland East, West and Central, Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo.

The commission, established in 2018 and chaired by Justice Uchena, was formed in response to the rapid rise of illegal settlements in urban areas, largely attributed to unlawful land sales by so-called land barons.

It was created through Statutory Instrument 11 of 2018, which amended Statutory Instrument 102 of 2017 that initially set up the inquiry into the sale of State land in and around urban areas since 2005.

Among its responsibilities, the commission was tasked with identifying all State land designated for urban development and allocated to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing since 2005.

It also investigated the ownership status, occupation, and development of the land, while examining how current occupants and beneficiaries acquired or were allocated the land.

Additionally, the commission sought to identify individuals and entities involved in the allocation, occupation, and use of the land. It was empowered to conduct site visits, summon witnesses, record testimonies, and compile detailed documentation to support its findings.

The commission was further authorised to probe any other relevant issues connected to the inquiry and to present a comprehensive written report with its conclusions and recommendations to the President.