Law Society Backs Title Deeds Validation Programme- Allays Fears of Property Loss

Speaking to this publication, LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara said Zimbabwe stood to benefit immensely from this programme. “Digitisation is a positive development for Zimbabwe. Secured title, ease of transacting, and reliable verification are good for business, investor confidence, and ultimately the economy,” he said.

“Securitisation is not going to dispossess anyone of their property. In fact, securitisation will enhance security of ownership through the benefits already described. The laws of Zimbabwe recognise, respect and protect individual property rights,” he said.

“The (validation and securitisation) programme aims to validate existing land title deeds and securitise them by converting physical documents into secure digital title deeds to prevent fraud and improve access.” He explained how the transition from paper title deeds to digital records would be carried out and the challenges that will be faced by those who do not validate their deeds after the transition deadline. “A person (with the old paper deeds) will not be able to obtain a mortgage bond or use that old paper deed to transact their property. The property remains theirs, but the paper deed loses its transactional value,” he said.