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October 18, 2026

Economic heritage: land, natural resources and empowerment

ZIMSEC A Level · Heritage Studies · Form 6

Land as heritage

Land is central to identity, livelihood and spirituality. Colonial dispossession (Land Apportionment Act 1930, Land Tenure Act 1969) concentrated the best land among white settlers.

Land reform

  • Post-independence resettlement (willing-buyer, willing-seller) from 1980.
  • The Fast Track Land Reform Programme (from 2000) redistributed land to many A1 smallholders and A2 commercial farmers.
  • Debates: redress of historical injustice and broader access to land, versus effects on production, investment, tenure security and compensation (including agreements on compensation for former farm owners).

Natural resources

Minerals (gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium), wildlife, forests and water are national heritage. Issues: who benefits, environmental protection, community share ownership schemes, and beneficiation (value addition).

Economic empowerment

The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act (2007) sought local ownership of businesses; later amendments relaxed ownership requirements in most sectors to attract investment. Empowerment also includes SME support, women and youth funds, and access to finance.

Sustainable development

Using resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations – linked to Ubuntu's responsibility to descendants.

Exam tip: Present the land question in a balanced, evidence-based way, giving the main arguments on each side.

Check yourself

  1. In what year did the Fast Track Land Reform Programme begin?
  2. State one aim of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.
  3. What is beneficiation?
Show answers
  1. 2000.
  2. To increase local (indigenous Zimbabwean) ownership and participation in the economy.
  3. Processing raw materials locally to add value before export.

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