Mangwana & Partners Legal Practitioners

15/05/2026

Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025
https://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/SI%202025-076%20Deeds%20Registries%20Regulations%2C%202025.pdf

01/04/2026

❗ Important Notice ❗

EASTER HOLIDAY CLOSURE

25/02/2026

LANDMARK RULING: RURAL DISTRICT COUNCILS CANNOT SELL COMMUNAL LAND

A recent high-stakes judgment from the High Court of Zimbabwe has clarified the limits of LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY. If you are a Local Authority, a Traditional Leader, or an Investor, this is ESSENTIAL reading.

⚖️ The Case: Madzivanyika & Anor v Buhera RDC & Ors (HH 493-24) In August 2024, the High Court nullified a deal where the Buhera Rural District Council sold 40 hectares of communal land in Madzivanyika Village to a private trust.

The Verdict: The court declared the sale illegal, null, and void.
Justice Manyangadze reaffirmed that communal land is not a commercial asset owned by the council; it is held in trust for the people.

📜 Why the Sale Failed: The Legal Framework

The Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04]

Section 4 (Vesting of Land): All communal land is vested in the
President of Zimbabwe. It is held in trust for the communal
communities. Councils do not hold "title" to sell this land.

Section 9 (Usage Permits): RDCs can only grant permits for use (e.g. for shops or clinics). Any change in land use or major allocation
requires the Minister’s approval and, in many cases, official
notification in the Government Gazette.

The Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17]

Sections 26–28: While Chiefs and Village Heads are custodians of the land and assist in allocation, they are legally barred from selling or "disposing" of communal land.

🧠 The Gold Standard: Chikutu & Ors v Minister of Lands (CCZ 03/23) The Constitutional Court has also weighed in, ruling in the Chikutu case that while the State can designate communal land for public projects, the residents’ rights are protected by the Communal Land Act. This confirms that land remains state-controlled and cannot be traded by local authorities as private property.

💼 Why This Matters to You, Illegal land sales create "legal
landmines." For Local Authorities and Investors, ignoring these
statutes leads to:

❌ Voided Contracts: Any "purchase price" paid is for a nullity.

❌ Costly Litigation: Communities are now successfully suing to protect
their ancestral land.

❌ Reputational Damage: Projects can be halted mid-development by court orders.

This information is provided for general informational and
educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional
advice.

13/02/2026

Celebrating our leadership 🎊🎉

03/02/2026

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Our firm is looking for an experienced legal practitioner to join the firm. Candidate will be based at our Harare office. The candidate must have strong litigation experience and keenly interested in litigation as a career. The candidate must be able to manage a diverse caseload of commercial, corpo...

02/02/2026

Happy new month

26/01/2026

Honourable Mangwana was honoured with a prestigious life time award from the Law Society of Zimbabwe in recognition of his exemplary service and contributions to the legal profession

https://www.pressreader.com/zimbabwe/the-sunday-mail-zimbabwe/20260111/281904484562205

26/01/2026

Hon Mangwana making us proud

26/01/2026

A favorable outcome begins with a strategic partnership.
Phillip Thom Tendai Chitsiga Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana Florence Mazvimbakupa
Outstanding Legal Practitioner in Mash West 2025, we are highly humbled by the recognition -West Agricultural Show Society

16/12/2025

Holidays Closure Announcement.