Haritatos takes the helm of newly split Lands Ministry

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sworn in Honourable Vangelis Peter Haritatos as Zimbabwe’s new Minister of Lands and Rural Development, following the separation of the former Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development into two standalone portfolios.

The appointment, which became effective on 10 April, sees Haritatos take charge of the newly created ministry, while Hon. Dr Anxious Masuka now heads the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.

Upon assuming office, Minister Haritatos outlined a number of immediate priorities, chief among them a rapid audit and stock-take of the land reform programme, resolution of longstanding land disputes, and the development of a clear national land policy.

He also pledged to spearhead the digitalisation of land records and title information, saying the move is intended to strengthen institutional memory, improve transparency and foster greater accountability in the administration of land.

Hon. Haritatos further said the ministry will work towards establishing a comprehensive national land-use master plan to guide the coordinated use of land for agriculture, mining, urban expansion and rural development.

The emphasis on digital land records comes as government is already piloting a new Digital Land Administration Platform and title deeds validation programme, aimed at modernising the country’s land administration system and reducing disputes over ownership.

Hon. Haritatos, age 40, had previously served as deputy minister in the combined ministry since 2018 and is also the MP for Muzvezve.

Photo credits: The Herald Zimbabwe, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services