A quarter of a century after Zimbabwe’s dramatic land reform programme uprooted thousands of white farmers, the nation remains deeply divided over compensation. While a small group of elderly, financially strained former landowners have accepted a controversial deal, the majority are holding out.
The government’s offer, worth $3.5 billion, compensates for infrastructure not the land itself, which it says was illegally seized during colonial times. But only $3.1 million has been paid in cash to 378 farmers, with the remainder issued as treasury bonds maturing in 10 years. For 71-year-old Arthur Baisley, it’s a bitter pill. “We can’t wait 10 years for another deal,” he said, using some of the bonds to offset medical bills.
Others, like Deon Theron, remain defiant. “There’s no guarantee these bonds will be honoured,” he told the BBC, calling for UK involvement in the stalled negotiations. Indeed, Britain’s historical role in Zimbabwe’s land policies continues to fuel political tension, as does its past failure to financially support land reform.
The compensation deal has also drawn backlash from Zimbabwean war veterans. Some view the $3.5 billion payout as a betrayal, arguing the money could be better spent on health or education. “It’s an unnecessary act of appeasement,” said veteran leader Godfrey Gurira.
Meanwhile, new black landowners about 250,000 of them face their own challenges. Many lack title deeds, which hinders access to credit. A new policy allows for outright ownership, but requires farmers to pay $100 to $500 per hectare, with proceeds channeled to the compensation fund. Critics argue this contradicts the spirit of the reform.
Despite these disputes, signs of recovery are evident. The Ganye family, beneficiaries of the reform, have turned their 20-hectare plot into a thriving agribusiness. “We’re doing more than what the white guys were doing,” said Aaron Ganye, proudly pointing to their success in tobacco farming.
With international sanctions lifted and agricultural output hitting record highs, including 300,000 tonnes of tobacco sold this year, Zimbabwe’s farming sector is rebounding. But whether the compensation issue can be fully resolved remains uncertain and crucial to Zimbabwe’s hopes of debt restructuring and renewed global engagement.
