Senate backs term extension to 2030 & land warnings
Zimbabwean authorities have issued a major warning against illegal land sales while the Senate moves to extend the presidential term limit. The government is also looking to trade mineral rights for new roads and railways, as police crack down on social media criticism.
You risk losing your money and home if you buy residential land through "Sabhuku Deals," as the Ministry of Lands has declared these transactions illegal. Only the Ministry can issue official offer letters; traditional village heads (Sabhukus) and "land barons" in urban areas do not have the legal right to sell or distribute state land. The warning comes as rising property prices have led to a surge in unauthorized sales that leave buyers with no legal protection.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa may now stay in power until 2030 after the Senate approved a bill to extend the current two-term limit. This constitutional change removes the previous restriction that would have ended his presidency sooner. The amendment also grants Parliament more authority over government processes, marking a significant shift in how the country will be governed for the next several years.
Major road and railway upgrades may soon be funded by trading Zimbabwe's mineral resources to China. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube confirmed the government is exploring these "minerals-backed deals" to pay for large-scale infrastructure projects. While this could modernize transport, it means the country's natural wealth will be used as direct payment to foreign contractors.
In a reminder of strict local laws, a man in Chiredzi remains in custody after a viral video criticizing the President led to his arrest. He faces charges of inciting public violence, highlighting the high legal risks of sharing political criticism on social media.
For more on these stories, including the debate over Nelson Chamisa’s return to politics and new developments in local defense manufacturing, visit the News section in the app.