An Analysis of the Evolution of Land Reform in Limpopo Province, South Africa: Successes & Failures

Sello Floyed SEKGOBELA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The advent of democracy in 1994 has necessitated South African government to develop policies and legislations in order to redress the historical imbalances created by the colonial regime. The new government embarked on a consultative process pertaining to establishment and introduction of land reform programme seeking to restore land to majority of black people. The objective of this study was to (i) assess progress in the implementation of land reform; (ii) examine land use under different land reform schemes, (iii) document successful land tenure, redistribution and restitution experiences and (iv) analyzing the current and potential impacts of land reform on sustainable livelihoods. The study adopted qualitative research method and was based more on theoretical knowledge in the field of investigated study, from a wide source of literature. Document analysis and case studies were used to gather and analyze information to reach a more complete understanding of the land reform and its impact on structure of farms. Data were mainly obtained from various department and NGOs who are directly involved with the facilitation and implementation of land reform programmes. The findings disclose that the South African government has redistributed lands but failed to reach the target (30% by 2014) which was set. The study further reveals that lack of post settlement support, weak institutional arrangements, lack of finance, lack of access to market and credit facilities are amongst others factors which make the land reform projects to be unsustainable. Some case studies presented have demonstrated that post-settlement support and strong institutional arrangements plays a role in maximizing the production of the farm. Recommendation/strategies to address the above mentioned findings suggest that (i) strong partnerships between all stakeholders (government, private sector & civil society) needs to be established to accelerate the pace of land delivery to land reform beneficiaries; (ii) enhance institutional structures at project level which are transparent and participative to address mismanagement and misuse of resources

Keywords

Land Reform Programme, Land Redistribution, Land Tenure, Land Restitution, Sustainability, Post-settlement, Limpopo Province, Communal Property Association, Legislative Framework, Project Beneficiaries

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 1. 8. 2016

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Zdeněk Opršal, Ph.D.

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Geography / International Development Studies