Publisher: The Pearl of Africa
Date: January 14, 2026
By Trust, The Pearl of Africa
HARARE, Zimbabwe — A white Zimbabwean investor, Terry William Kelly (73), has suffered a devastating legal setback. This occurred after Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court invalidated a 25-year lease agreement for Chewore Lodge, a high-profile safari destination in the Zambezi Valley. Kelly, who invested millions of U.S. dollars into the lodge through his company, Suscaden Investments, now faces eviction without compensation.
Chewore Lodge, known for attracting international tourists seeking luxury safari experiences, had been operated by Kelly for 15 years under two separate leases. This was alongside a settlement agreement issued by ZimParks, Zimbabwe’s national parks authority. During this period, the government accepted rent payments. They effectively treated the lease as legitimate.
“For years, the government collected rent and benefited from my investment. Now, all of that is dismissed, and I bear the full loss,” Kelly told The Pearl of Africa.
The Supreme Court ruled that the lease was invalid due to the absence of explicit approval from the responsible government minister at the time, Former Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. Although the lease document bore Muchinguri’s signature, and a former ZimParks official confirmed its processing through official channels, the minister later denied signing it personally. This inability to conclusively prove the minister’s authorization led the court to rule against Kelly.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow — my investment, my livelihood, all undone because of procedural failures I had no control over,” Kelly added.
Legal experts note that this ruling raises serious questions about investment security in Zimbabwe. This is particularly true for foreign and private investors in tourism and conservation projects.
“The courts have ignored the practical realities — the government allowed Mr. Kelly to operate for over a decade, profiting from his payments. This sets a troubling precedent,” said legal analyst Dr. Tendai Chikomo.
Kelly’s case highlights the complexities of navigating bureaucratic oversight in Zimbabwe. Here, ministerial approvals and government processes are often ambiguous or inconsistently documented. According to court records, Kelly had followed all legal procedures available at the time. He maintained a good working relationship with ZimParks. Yet, the Supreme Court decision effectively nullified the agreement. This left him without recourse for compensation.
Chewore Lodge is not only a commercial venture but also a key contributor to the local economy. It provides employment and draws international tourism. Analysts warn that this ruling may dissuade future foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, which has long been promoted as a pillar of economic growth.
“This is more than just a legal matter; it’s a cautionary tale for investors that government endorsement on paper may not always guarantee long-term security,” said tourism consultant Lindiwe Moyo.
Suscaden Investments had poured millions of dollars into the lodge’s infrastructure, safari operations, and luxury accommodations. Their goal was to create a premier safari destination in the region. With the eviction order now looming, Kelly faces losing the entire financial investment. Employees who depended on the lodge for their livelihoods may also be affected.
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the importance of clear ministerial authorizations in land and investment agreements. This is particularly crucial for projects in Zimbabwe’s ecologically and economically sensitive zones.
“It’s a harsh lesson in governance and bureaucracy. Investors are exposed when procedural lapses occur within state institutions,” said Dr. Chikomo.
As the news spreads, the story has ignited conversations among the business community, conservationists, and foreign investors about the risk environment in Zimbabwe. Kelly’s legal team has indicated that while the Supreme Court decision is final, they are exploring all possible avenues for negotiation with the government. However, recovery of the lost investment appears unlikely.
Chewore Lodge, a hallmark of Zimbabwean safari tourism, now faces an uncertain future. This is a direct result of administrative oversights and legal technicalities, leaving millions of dollars of private investment at risk.
- “For years, the government collected rent and benefited from my investment. Now, all of that is dismissed, and I bear the full loss.” – Terry William Kelly
- “It’s a bitter pill to swallow — my investment, my livelihood, all undone because of procedural failures I had no control over.” – Terry William Kelly
- “The courts have ignored the practical realities — the government allowed Mr. Kelly to operate for over a decade, profiting from his payments. This sets a troubling precedent.” – Dr. Tendai Chikomo
