Be patient, govt tells ex-farmers

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

The government has said it would pay the US$3,5bn to former farm owners affected by the land reform exercise more than 20 years ago despite the delays caused by financial constraints.

Under the Global Compensation Deed signed in 2020, the farmers were supposed to receive a total of US$3,5bn between 2020 and 2024 with US$1.75bn to be paid during the first year, followed by four US$437.5m annual instalments.

But Harare has failed to meet the scheduled timelines, proposing new payment terms raising doubts about its commitment to fulfil its side of the bargain.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana recently told Business Times that the white former commercial farmers will certainly get something this year.

We accept that we have delayed the former farmers on various occasions but we have not denied paying them. The delays are not because we don’t want but due to financial constraints,” he said.

“Once we get the money we will hasten to pay the farmers,” he said.

Musabayana referred this publication to the Lands Ministry or Treasury for finer details.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development  minister Anxious Masuka referred all questions to his permanent secretary John Bhasera whose mobile went unanswered.

Former commercial white farmers are not happy with the flip-flop behaviour of the government which comes with a new deal after the lapse of the negotiating period.

Commercial Farmers Union president Andrew Pascoe last week told this publication that the authorities should come up with payment schedules with former farmers’ advanced age in mind.

“At the moment, we are waiting for the government’s response to our proposed safeguards, which we want to be included in new payment terms and see how it goes.

“Maybe, there isn’t enough money but we will wait for the government,” Pascoe said.

Pascoe said former farmers had engaged their financial and legal advisors to pave the way forward.