The post-colonial Zimbabwean government maintained the distinction through the Communal Land Act.

During the 2013 elections in Zimbabwe, the issue of diamond mining and natural resource governance featured prominently in the campaign.

The debate around the social, environmental, and health impacts of coal mining remains relevant today, as the demand for coal continues to grow to sustain the world's cities.

While the allocation of houses by village heads has been a long-standing practice, the recent demolitions have been justified by the government on several grounds.