Meaning: The quote you have provided is attributed to Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe. The quote refers to a process of land reform that was implemented in Zimbabwe in the early 2000s. Mugabe's government embarked on a controversial land reform program that involved the expropriation of white-owned commercial farms for redistribution to black Zimbabweans. This program was intended to address historical injustices in land ownership and to rectify the imbalance created by colonial-era policies that had concentrated land ownership in the hands of a minority white population.

In the quote, Mugabe outlines a two-step process for the land reform program. The first step involves designating the land and informing the owners. This indicates that the government would identify the specific farms that were to be targeted for redistribution and communicate this decision to the landowners. The second step, as described by Mugabe, is to obtain responses from the owners. This suggests that the government intended to engage in a dialogue with the affected landowners, possibly to negotiate the terms of expropriation or to seek their cooperation in the redistribution process.

It is important to note that while the quote presents the land reform process in a seemingly straightforward manner, the actual implementation of the program was highly contentious and characterized by controversy, violence, and economic upheaval. The expropriation of commercial farms led to widespread disruptions in agricultural production, which had significant repercussions for Zimbabwe's economy and food security. Additionally, the manner in which the land reform was carried out, including reports of violence and human rights abuses, drew international criticism and further exacerbated Zimbabwe's isolation in the global community.

Mugabe's characterization of the land reform process as being "openly done" may have been intended to convey a sense of transparency and fairness. However, the reality of the situation was far from transparent, as the program was marred by allegations of corruption, favoritism, and lack of due process. Many critics argued that the land reform program was used as a political tool to consolidate power and support loyalists of the ruling party, rather than as a genuine effort to address historical land injustices.

The quote can be seen as emblematic of the complexities and controversies surrounding land reform in Zimbabwe. While the intention to address historical inequities and empower black Zimbabweans through land redistribution is a laudable goal, the actual implementation of the program was fraught with challenges and unintended consequences. The legacy of the land reform program continues to shape Zimbabwe's social, economic, and political landscape, and its impact is still the subject of debate and analysis.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Robert Mugabe encapsulates the two-step process outlined for the land reform program in Zimbabwe. However, the real-world implementation of the program was marked by controversy, violence, and economic upheaval, leading to widespread repercussions for the country. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in addressing historical land injustices and the enduring impact of such initiatives.