Section 290: Continuation of rights of State in agricultural land
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(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.
Insight: This constitutional provision ensures that the Zimbabwean State maintains ownership of agricultural lands previously identified under the former Constitution, regardless of any inconsistencies or errors in the documentation. This reflects Zimbabwe's land reform policies that sought to redistribute land, with the State retaining ultimate ownership rights even when documentation contains discrepancies. The provision creates legal certainty around State ownership of these lands despite potential technical errors in notices or title deeds.