Group Educates Chiefs on New Malawi Land Laws
The GVH encouraged other traditional leaders to advise their subjects to include youths, women and girls when the time for land registration comes.
MZIMBA, Malawi— The Mzimba Youth Organization (MYO) says many traditional leaders in Mzimba district are not fully aware of what is contained in the new customary land laws, leading to misconceptions, writes James Nyirenda.
"A lot of people are not aware of what is contained in the new customary land laws, and there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding these laws, hence the need to popularize them among traditional leaders so that they cascade the messages to their subjects," said Moses Nkhana, director of MYO.
He made the remarks Friday during a sensitization meeting for traditional leaders on the importance of the new land laws.
Nkhana also appealed to the traditional leaders to ensure that youths and women enjoy rights to land ownership if they are to contribute to the country's development through agriculture.
One participant, Group Village Headman Chindiku Mkandawire from the area of Inkosi Mzikubola, commended MYO for orienting them on the new land laws, saying the knowledge gained will inform their decisions during land registration.
"The meeting has opened our eyes, and we feel they will help end land grabbing, squabbles and corruption regarding land in our communities," said GVH Chindiku Mkandawire.
The GVH encouraged other traditional leaders to advise their subjects to include youths, women and girls when the time for land registration comes.
"This law is not taking away the powers of traditional leaders but it empowers them," Mkandawire said.
President Lazarus Chakwera in May 2022 assented to six land-related bills, touting the pieces of legislation as being key in addressing challenges the country has been facing with land management.