HARARE, Apr. 15, 2026 (NewsDay Live) - Muzvezve MP Vangelis Haritatos has been sworn in as Lands and Rural Development minister after serving, for several years, as deputy under the former Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who last week split the ministry into two entities, presided over Haritatos' swearing in at State House Wednesday afternoon.
Haritatos' former boss Anxious Masuka is now in charge of the Agriculture portfolio.
Speaking after taking oath of office, Haritatos said his immediate task is to conduct a comprehensive review of the land reform programme, signalling a shift towards consolidation and policy clarity.
“First and foremost, in the coming weeks, I will carry out a rapid audit and stock-take of the land reform programme. It is now time to bring finality to the land reform process and move towards a clear and publicly accountable national land policy,” he said.
Haritatos said his ministry will develop a national land use master plan to guide sustainable utilisation of land across key sectors.
Keep Reading
- Boustead Beef seeks to end CSC corporate rescue
- Unresolved land tenure dispute stifles Tongaat Hulett project
- Boustead Beef seeks to end CSC corporate rescue
- British investor makes new claim over CSC . . . Boustead says it took over full control of the beef processor in 2019
“We currently do not have a comprehensive master plan for land use across the country. This is critical in ensuring sustainable utilisation, whether for urban development, mining or agriculture. Our approach will be holistic and coordinated,” he said.
Turning to land administration, the minister acknowledged longstanding challenges, particularly disputes and inefficiencies within the system.
Meanwhile, Masuka’s Ministry of Agriculture continues to focus on boosting production, food security and climate-resilient farming.