constituteproject.org PDF generated: 26 Sep 2013, 21:48 CHAPTER 16 AGRICULTURAL LAND 288 Interpretation of Chapter 16 In this Chapter-"agricultural land" has the meaning given to it by section 72. 289 Principles guiding policy on agricultural land In order to redress the unjust and unfair pattern of land ownership that was brought about by colonialism, and to bring about land reform and the equitable access by all Zimbabweans to the country's natural resources, policies regarding agricultural land must be guided by the following principles-(a) land is a finite natural resource that forms part of Zimbabweans' common heritage; (b) subject to section 72, every Zimbabwean citizen has a right to acquire, hold, occupy, use, transfer, hypothecate, lease or dispose of agricultural land regardless of his or her race or colour; (c) the allocation and distribution of agricultural land must be fair and equitable, having regard to gender balance and diverse community interests; (d) the land tenure system must promote increased productivity and investment by Zimbabweans in agricultural land; (e) the use of agricultural land should promote food security, good health and nutrition and generate employment, while protecting and conserving the environment for future generations; (f) no person may be deprived arbitrarily of their right to use and occupy agricultural land. 290 Continuation of rights of State in agricultural land (1) All agricultural land which-(a) was itemised in Schedule 7 to the former Constitution; or (b) before the effective date, was identified in terms of section 16B(2)(a)(ii) or (iii) of the former Constitution; continues to be vested in the State. (2) Any inconsistency between anything contained in-(a) a notice itemised in Schedule 7 to the former Constitution; or (b) a notice relating to agricultural land and published in terms of section 16B(2)(a)(ii) or (iii) of the former Constitution; and the title deed to which it refers or is intended to refer, and any error whatsoever contained in such a notice, does not affect the operation of subsection (1) or invalidate the State's title to the agricultural land concerned in terms of that subsection. 291 Continuation of rights of occupiers of agricultural land Subject to this Constitution, any person who, immediately before the effective date, was using or occupying, or was entitled to use or occupy, any agricultural land by virtue of a lease or other agreement with the State continues to be entitled to use or occupy that land on or after the effective date, in accordance with that lease or other agreement. Zimbabwe 2013 Page 123