Sharleen Mohammed

Opposition leader Senator Sengezo Tshabangu has described Zimbabwe's land reform programe as one of the country's greatest achievements, saying the gains made in agriculture must be protected through stability, continuity and national unity. 

In an Independence Day statement released on Saturday, 18 April, Tshabangu said the return of land to the black majority was a major milestone of independence and should remain irreversible. 

"Chief amongst those achievements is the return of our land to the black African majority, whatever its challenges, the land reform process has, on a balance, been successful." 

His remarks place agriculture at the center of Zimbabwe's independence with land remaining the backbone of farming, food production and rural livelihoods. 

Senator Tshabangu said there is no better way to honour the liberation struggle than ensuring the land reform programe continues to benefit Zimbabweans.

"There is no better fidelity to the values and goals of the struggle for national liberation than a guarantee to all our people that the land reform process is continuous and irreversible," he said. 

The senator also linked political calm to national development, saying Zimbabwe needs stability to focus on rebuilding key sectors of the economy. 

Analysts say stability is important for agriculture because farmers need confidence to invest in irrigation systems, machinery, livestock, seed and long-term production plans. 

Tshabangu said Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 could help bring long-term stability if handled in the right spirit. 

"We view the spirit, motivation and intent of the Bill as a possible route to permanent stability of our country," he said. 

He added that the Bill offers a chance to balance continuity, change and national progress. The opposition leader proposed the formation of a Government of National Consensus if the Bill becomes law, saying such an arrangement should focus on improving health, education and social services. 

While agriculture was not directly mentioned in that proposal, experts note that a stable policy environment often helps farming by improving planning, investment and market confidence. 

Zimbabwe's agriculture sector supports millions of people through crop farming, livestock production and agro-processing. 

Many farmers continue to call for improved irrigation, better roads, financing and access to markets. 

Tshabangu also urged Zimbabweans to respect different views during the ongoing debate around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

 "The least amongst should be heard,"he said. 

His statement comes at a time when the country is debating governance reforms, while farmers prepare for the next production season and look for policies that support growth, food security and rural incomes.