(HERALD) Land reform irreversible: Mutambara

Land reform irreversible: Mutambara
Herald Reporter

THE land reform programme is irreversible and Zimbabweans should now focus on improving yields per hectare, Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara said yesterday.

Dep PM Mutambara said Government might adjust some parts of land reforms but the whole exercise was irrevocable.

"The land reform is irreversible, there is no going back on our revolution. Yes, we might change things here and there, but we are not going back.

"Our friends in Britain and other Western countries should understand that we agreed in the Global Political Agreement that the issue of land was not negotiable.

"We now want to talk about productivity on the land, how can we improve yields per hectare?" he said. He urged farmers to use the land productively to achieve food security.

The Deputy Premier, who was addressing a youth conference that ended in Harare yesterday, also urged the youths to venture into agriculture and mining.

"We want to make sure that our young people, especially those graduating from agricultural colleges, have land and that our women have land in their names.

"We must exploit our resources effectively and young people should take the leading role in making sure the country gets back on its feet.

"Let’s learn from our mistakes. There is also need for research, starting from what we have done in our country and what our neighbours have done," he said.

Dep PM Mutambara called for unity of purpose among Zimbabweans, saying this was the only way the country would prosper.

"The sky is the limit. We are redefining the role of Government where our job is facilitative. We want to hear your views so we can work together," he said.