Title Deeds Digitisation: Govt Reverses Decision To Hand-Pick 16 Law Firms After Push Back From Lawyer Society Of Zimbabwe
The government has reversed its controversial decision to hand-pick 16 law firms for the title deeds digitisation pilot program after pushback from the Law Society of Zimbabwe, following concerns raised by lawyers and stakeholders over the April 2026 programme.
The development follows a circular issued by the Law Society of Zimbabwe dated 8 April 2026, confirming that the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs had reviewed its approach after engagements with the legal profession.
In the notice, Executive Secretary E. Mapara confirmed the shift.
“I am pleased to inform you that following our engagement with the Ministry of Justice Legal & Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry has reviewed its approach on the pilot program for digitalization of title deeds.”
The notice further confirmed that the rollout would now be modified following consultations.
“Modalities for rolling out the validation and securitization program are to be modified in consultation with the Law Society of Zimbabwe.”
The Law Society also confirmed that all registered conveyancers would now be eligible to participate.
“Please take note especially that all registered conveyancers will be eligible to participate. Details will be available shortly.”
The development comes just days after backlash over the government’s earlier announcement.
What Are Conveyancers And Why It Matters
Conveyancers are lawyers who specialise in property transfers and title deeds. They handle the legal process when property changes ownership, including preparing documents, verifying ownership, and registering title deeds with the Deeds Registry.
In Zimbabwe, only qualified and registered conveyancers are legally permitted to process property transfers and title deeds.
This is why the earlier decision to hand-pick 16 law firms triggered concern within the legal profession.
Lawyers argued that property owners normally choose their own legal representative, especially when dealing with property transactions. Limiting participation to selected firms raised questions about fairness, access, and possible costs for ordinary property owners.
The revised decision now opens participation to all registered conveyancers, rather than a closed list.
Outcry After 16 Firms Were Handpicked
The controversy began after a Sunday Mail notice dated 5 April 2026 announced a pilot programme involving 16 selected law firms.
The programme, which reportedly started on 1 April 2026, was meant to validate and digitise title deeds under Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025.
However, lawyers raised concerns about the selection process.
Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu criticised the move on 8 April 2026 on X.
“The Ministry of Justice has backed down and will no longer be proceeding with its obnoxious, nepotistic and corrupt title deeds pilot project after a fierce fight back from lawyers.”
He also questioned the impact on property owners.
“Why should people be required to consult lawyers for a service they do not need? How is a 91-year-old titleholder expected to afford legal fees that are finagled upon them without consultation or their consent?”
Mpofu further raised questions about costs and beneficiaries.
“How much will the state charge for this service, and who will benefit from those charges? Are private companies providing this digitization service, and who is behind them?”
Digitisation Programme Still Going Ahead
Despite the reversal on handpicked firms, the digitisation programme itself remains in place.
The government previously indicated that property owners would be required to convert existing title deeds into digital format within two years.
The initiative is aimed at creating a searchable digital registry and improving land administration systems.
However, the revised approach suggests broader participation from legal practitioners instead of a closed list.
The Law Society confirmed that contributions made by lawyers would be considered.
“All the contributions you made on various platforms will be taken into consideration.”
Further details on the revised rollout are expected to be announced soon.
The post Title Deeds Digitisation U-Turn As Govt Drops Handpicked 16 Law Firms After Law Society Push Back appeared first on iHarare News.
