Section 295: Compensation for acquisition of previously-acquired agricultural land
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Any indigenous Zimbabwean whose agricultural land was acquired by the State before the effective date is entitled to compensation from the State for the land and any improvements that were on the land when it was acquired.
(2) Any person whose agricultural land was acquired by the State before the effective date and whose property rights at that time were guaranteed or protected by an agreement concluded by the Government of Zimbabwe with the government of another country, is entitled to compensation from the State for the land and any improvements in accordance with that agreement.
(3) Any person, other than a person referred to in subsection (1) or (2), whose agricultural land was acquired by the State before the effective date is entitled to compensation from the State only for improvements that were on the land when it was acquired.
(4) Compensation payable under subsections (1), (2) and (3) must be assessed and paid in terms of an Act of Parliament.
Key Insight: Differential Compensation Rights
This section establishes a three-tier compensation system for land acquired by the State before the constitution's effective date:
- Indigenous Zimbabweans receive compensation for both land and improvements
- Persons protected by international agreements receive compensation according to those agreements
- All others receive compensation only for improvements, not for the land itself
This framework reflects Zimbabwe's attempt to balance addressing historical land inequities while providing some protection for property rights, with Parliament determining the specific implementation details.