Ward 12 Residents Urged to Seek Clarity Over US$3 Settlement Permit Fees

CHIREDZI – A public statement circulating in Chiredzi has sparked debate over the US$3 fee being charged for what some residents have referred to as a “Chitupa Chelemutini” (settlement document), with concerns being raised about the legal implications of the permit.

In the statement, members of the Ward 12 community associated with Councillor Leonard Makondo urge residents not to rush into paying the fee or signing documents without first understanding their legal significance.

The statement argues that the document in question is a Settlement Permit, rather than a traditional community certificate, and alleges that it is issued under the Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04]. According to the authors of the statement, the permit is intended for people who settled in communal areas after the enactment of the Communal Land Act in 1983.

The statement further claims that accepting such a permit could affect the administration of land rights by placing land occupancy under the authority of the local council rather than traditional leaders. It also alleges that this could have implications for how land is administered in the future.To support its position, the statement cites Section 9 of the Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04], which sets out the requirements for the issuing of occupation permits by local authorities.

The statement calls on residents to consult traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, as well as legal practitioners, before making any payments or signing documents. It argues that obtaining independent advice would help residents understand the legal implications of the permit.

The concerns raised have generated discussion among residents, with some seeking clarification on the purpose of the document, the legal basis for the US$3 fee, and whether the permit affects existing customary or ancestral land rights.

At the time of publication, The Chiredzi Report had not received an official response from Chiredzi Rural District Council (CRDC) or Councillor Leonard Makondo regarding the claims made in the statement. The council’s position on the purpose of the permit, the legal framework under which it is being issued, and the reasons for the fee had not yet been publicly clarified.

Land administration in communal areas is governed by Zimbabwean legislation, and the interpretation of those laws can involve complex legal and customary considerations. Residents with concerns are encouraged to seek clarification from the relevant authorities and obtain independent legal advice where necessary.

The Chiredzi Report has contacted the relevant authorities for comment and will publish their response once it becomes available.