Property valuation for expropriation and compensation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This thesis is primarily concerned with laws guiding valuation for expropriation and compensation in Zimbabwe. The thesis aimed to identify and close gaps in the regulatory and legislative frameworks guiding property valuation approaches when land is expropriated in line with the current international best practice. A case study approach was used based on expropriated properties whose compensation amount was approved by the Compensation Committee (CC) during the multi-currency period (2009 – 2019). Stratified random sampling was adopted, and a sample size of 146 respondents was used. The researcher collected data using a semi-structured questionnaire and literature survey. Respondents were chosen from Members of the Compensation Committee (MsCC), Designated Valuation Officers (DVOs), Private Valuers (PVs), and Former Commercial Farmers (FCFs). Documents that were reviewed include statutes, official reports, and newsletters. Questionnaires were sent to research subjects by electronic mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown. Two computer software packages, including Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-26) and ATLAS.ti 8, were used for data analysis. The researcher identified gaps in the existing laws and practice of expropriation and compensation in Zimbabwe. Notable gaps include provisions which are not clear, lack of detailed guidelines, unavailability of legal provisions on property valuation for expropriated communal properties and valuation inconsistencies. Furthermore, it was noted that FCFs were dissatisfied with the expropriation and compensation process and MsCC emphasised the need to take a historical overview of the expropriation and compensation crisis in Zimbabwe. Therefore, this study contributed to knowledge and practice by proposing amendments to existing Zimbabwean statutes guiding expropriation and compensation and designed a framework for expropriation and compensation. Results of this study are expected to bring closure to lingering issues surrounding expropriation and compensation in Zimbabwe.