Shaping a new legacy: Tshintsha Amakhaya discussion at the Land Divided 2013 Conference

Tshintsha Amakhaya, an alliance of NGOs in land and agrarian reform,hosted a workshop at the Land Divided 2013 Conference which was held at the University of Cape Town between 24 and 27 March 2013. Participants at the conference ranged from civil society actors and activists, to interested and affected community members; but strongly comprised of the academic community who presented their research on various aspects of the land debate. 

 

Although the conference gave participants the opportunity to experience a range of unique and compelling arguments, as well as top quality research on the issue of land in South Africa and across the world, there was a dearth of opportunities to actively engage in debate about the issues. The workshop hosted by Tshintsha Amakhaya provided an opportunity to explore new ways to tackle land and agrarian reform. 

 

A presentation by Dr Stephen Greenberg on the outcomes of research by Tshintsha Amakhaya partners into the agrarian rural household economy, which was followed by the screening of community videos, set the tone of the discussion to come. Participants then discussed in groups what could be done to reverse the legacy of the 1913 Native Land Act, under which many South Africans suffer today. They were asked to consider the shape and substance of a new legacy, 100 years from now. 

 

Responses varied. One group felt that a continuous and systematic commitment to land reform must take place which goes beyond the 30% of the land which government seeks to redress. Furthermore, the kind of agriculture which is pursued by land owners must be reassessed and other ways of farming, including other land uses, must be considered; with a focus on future generations. Another group felt that in 100 years we must no longer be talking about dispossession of land; but rights and ownership. Legal instruments may have a place in future land reform efforts because the recognition of people’s customary rights to land may assist with securing access and use. 

 

Furthermore, South Africa must question the modern economy and the fact that agriculture is based on the corporate model of farming. A move towards smallholder and family farms might be the answer to equitable and sustainable land use, yet this must be grounded in solid research. Lastly, planning for land reform and agricultural development must be situated within people’s complex and dynamic livelihoods. The negotiations about land and decisions about land use should recognize geographical and social difference, and may generate multiple development trajectories to strengthen people’s livelihoods across the rural-urban spectrum. 

Claire

26 March 2013