The emotional and psychological toll of watching one’s home being torn down is immense, frequently leading to health problems such as high blood pressure. To make matters worse, those orchestrating the demolitions often retreat to luxurious hotels, using council funds for seminars, seemingly detached from the suffering of affected residents.
In response, the President launched a program to issue title deeds to Epworth residents. While this initiative was a step toward restoring dignity and security, opposition parties quickly dismissed it as a vote-buying gimmick, a claim often made by individuals comfortably housed in mansions. The presidential deeds program deserves support from all patriotic Zimbabweans, especially Members of Parliament, who are meant to represent the people’s interests. Both ZANU PF and opposition MPs are responsible for rallying behind the President’s vision and ensuring that no citizen lives in fear of losing their home.
The matter of title deeds is central to the independence and security of residents who have lived for years on irregularized land. Regrettably, opposition parties, particularly the CCC, have turned this issue into a political battleground, disrupting regularization efforts that would benefit ordinary citizens. Instead of embracing these programs, they have allowed residents to become homeless, even during the harsh rainy season, all in a bid to score political points against ZANU PF.
What’s especially concerning is the role played by urban councils, many of which are led by CCC. Despite positioning themselves as defenders of the people, these councils often authorize demolitions under the pretext of enforcing the law, settling political scores at the expense of ordinary residents. Ironically, many people living on illegal land are CCC supporters, yet it is their own elected leaders who push for demolitions without offering alternatives or upholding the right to shelter.
As the nation celebrates its hard-won independence, it is deeply disheartening that some citizens remain excluded from its benefits because of unresolved land issues. It is imperative for both ZANU PF and CCC parliamentarians to come together in support of the President’s initiative to regularize residential stands and issue title deeds. Parliamentarians who themselves recently benefited from stands must remember those who voted them into office and work to address their constituents’ needs.
In Harare, CCC-led councils have consistently failed to push for the regularization of residential areas, choosing instead to focus on political interests. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has ordered several demolitions without offering solutions for affected residents, raising serious concerns about his commitment to the regularization agenda. Similarly, in Chitungwiza, residents continue to live in fear as the CCC mayor shows little interest in advancing the regularization process, highlighting a concerning pattern of prioritizing politics over people.
The relevant ministry must act urgently to expand the issuance of title deeds beyond Epworth. It is essential to address the challenges faced by affected citizens and safeguard their independence. Zimbabweans must unite in a humble call to the President to expedite the regularization process and ensure title deeds are granted to deserving residents.
Regularizing residential stands is a critical step in national development and infrastructure planning. Supporting the presidential deeds program is a sign of genuine commitment to progress. Unlike destructive demonstrations, which harm the economy and development efforts, constructive solutions lay the foundation for a better future.
Let us celebrate independence with unity, purpose, and a shared vision of progress. Happy Independence Day to all Zimbabweans!
