African Land Theft
Rhodes | 15.06.2004 13:54
Zimbabwe has denied reports that it plans to end private land ownership despite vast quantities being stolen from the legitimate owners both black and white
John Nkomo, minister in charge of land, was last week quoted as saying that all title deeds would be replaced by 99-year leases.
About 500 white farmers remain on their land in Zimbabwe, out of some 4,000 in 2000, when the government speeded up the process of land theft.
They own just 3% of the best farmland, down from 70%, government figures say.
A government statement said that blacks who have been allocated land were being given 99-year leases. Land has only been given to blacks who are members of the ruling Zanu PF party
More than five million Zimbabweans need food aid
Meanwhile, World Food Programme (WFP) head James Morris has postponed a trip to Zimbabwe, where he was expected to discuss the government's announcement that it no longer needed food aid.
Government critics and aid agencies say that the disruption to the farm sector has led to massive hunger, with more than half the population needing food aid.
John Nkomo, minister in charge of land, was last week quoted as saying that all title deeds would be replaced by 99-year leases.
About 500 white farmers remain on their land in Zimbabwe, out of some 4,000 in 2000, when the government speeded up the process of land theft.
They own just 3% of the best farmland, down from 70%, government figures say.
A government statement said that blacks who have been allocated land were being given 99-year leases. Land has only been given to blacks who are members of the ruling Zanu PF party
More than five million Zimbabweans need food aid
Meanwhile, World Food Programme (WFP) head James Morris has postponed a trip to Zimbabwe, where he was expected to discuss the government's announcement that it no longer needed food aid.
Government critics and aid agencies say that the disruption to the farm sector has led to massive hunger, with more than half the population needing food aid.
Rhodes