Kaphwiti, Kadzamira land dispute refuses to die

At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a weather-beaten concrete slab, blending quietly into the dry earth. Its chipped surface bears faint markings—“P1.” To some, it may look like an old, forgotten survey beacon. But in this border district of Mchinji, the marker has come to symbolise a long-running land dispute involving former official hostess Cecilia Kadzamira and communities under T/A Kawere.

Villagers say the inscription refers to Plot 1 of 1968, land historically linked to the late politician Elias Kaphwiti Banda. The estate, covering approximately 5,771 hectares, is reportedly registered in Kadzamira’s name. On Tuesday, T/A Kawere and group village heads lodged a complaint with the Mchinji District Council, asking authorities to facilitate the release of customary land to surrounding communities.

However, the District Commissioner’s office says it cannot intervene while the case remains before the courts. Residents living around the estate say they face recurring food shortages despite being surrounded by fertile land. Community leaders also allege that the estate is being subleased to farmers from outside the district, leaving local villagers without access to land or employment opportunities linked to its use.