The Land Act of 1913 caused extreme inequality and disparity in the distribution of land in South Africa between those classified as whites and as non-white.
In 1994, the new democratic government, understanding the urgent need for land reform, as outlined in section 25 of the Constitution of South Africa, introduced the Restitution of Land Rights Act No. 22 of 1994, which was subsequently amended in 1995 and 1996.
The Act provided people or communities affected by the land disposition after 1913 to claim restitution through the submission of claims for the return of land or financial compensation[1].
A cut-off date for claims was set for 31 March 1999. Is it not a little too late? It has been 20 years since the inauguration of South Africa’s first black president and 15 years since the “deadline” for claims of restitution, however land-reform is still playing a prevalent role in the African National Congresses recent policy documents, for example the National Development Plan, which sets out its own goals and procedure for land-redistribution.
While it is clear that to pull our people out of a poverty stricken environment changes need to be made and economic growth and development are necessary, is land-reform necessarily the right way to approach the idea of economic transformation.
Would our society and economy not be better off in its entirety if the mass of our population were given the chance to use their current skills, learn new ones and gain the ability to “fend” for themselves?
In a time where food is scarce and we are barely producing enough to feed the population, should we not be focusing on boosting productivity in our agriculture sector through technological advances and skill development, rather than concerning ourselves with the emotional issues of tradition and past repressions?
The agricultural sector needs to be treated like any other industry, one where maximum efficiency and productivity are prevalent to success and growth. So, yes while “reform” or “transformation” is needed in South Africa, the issue of land-reform is no longer the major issue our country is facing.
Growing “townships” on the outskirts of cities need to be dealt with and government corruption needs to be minimised.
The Economic Freedom Fighters call for economic transformation through land-reform?
Economic transformation will only occur when our education and health systems increase and the people of South Africa unite and demand an uncorrupted government who are held accountable for their actions.
Economic development is the key to equality; and land restitution, which will most likely negatively affect the productivity of our agricultural sectors, is not the way to achieve this.
Rather energies need to be focused on policies that will positively influence the masses rather than an ideal presented by a political party, that while it encapsulates the masses, will only benefit a few in the long-run while probably causing more damage overall now.
The recent talk of land-reform has already scared away many investors and in a fragile economy like ours where the Rand fluctuates constantly, extreme care has to be taken with regards to the effect our policies have in the international arena.
[1] Taken from the overview of the South African Constitution and Land-Reform Act, 1994