ZIMBABWE will this October start disbursing funds to farmers who lost their land during the country’s land reform programme in the year 2000. President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently announced the compensation to white farmers would start soon after agreeing to compensate victims to the tune of US$3.5 billion in 2020.
The white farmers’ land was taken by government to resettle black families. During the Swiss Night this Thursday, Switzerland Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, Stephane Rey said no discussion of the two countries’ bilateral relationship would be complete without addressing the progress made on the issue of compensation for Swiss and European farmers, who lost land during Zimbabwe’s land reform in the early 2000s. Rey, a co-chair of the Sector Working Group on Land Tenure Reforms and Compensation, admitted the issue was complicated for all involved but was pleased it was finally happening.
“While this has been a complex issue, the strides we have made together have been both commendable and necessary. “As I have had the honour of working closely with Zimbabwe’s Office of the President and Cabinet, I want to express my appreciation for the bold steps taken, particularly the effective compensation of farmers, including a sizeable number of Swiss citizens. “This historic development is not just about financial settlement; it is about reconciliation and moving forward.
I am confident that the timely execution of this plan will restore internatio.