The conference was held on 30 – 31 August 2023, to critically assess the extent to which the government has addressed the legacy of the Natives Land Act 1913.

As such, the report captures succinctly the discussions that took place, the recommendations and findings reached at the conference.

Some of the recommendations were to the effect that: relevant departments must fight the scourge of corruption in the land reform process; adequate assistance and training ought to be given to beneficiaries of land redistribution and restitution programmes; the government must explore expropriation without compensation in appropriate circumstances; attention must be paid to  persons at risk of being left behind in South Africa’s land reform efforts which includes groups  but not limited to, people living with disabilities, women, especially black women, impoverished and vulnerable communities, people living in informal settlements, those who are homeless and people living in far flung villages; a national campaign on combating illegal evictions in farming and mining communities must be undertaken; finally, that the SAHRC must improve its protection, monitoring and promoting of the right to land.

The conference sought as part of its objectives to:  Unpack the legal framework, in particular Section 25 of the Constitution. Present the work of the Commission and submissions/inputs from other relevant institutions on the issue of land. Discuss approaches from traditional councils and traditional leaders to the land question.  Discuss submissions from the government on measures taken towards implementation of the right to property. Deliberate on possible solutions to address the existing challenges to ensure adherence to constitutional imperatives on the land question.

The conference was attended by government officials, government departments, chapter 9 institutions, academics, researchers, civil society organisations, House of Traditional Leaders and Councils of Traditional Leaders.

The report can be accessed on the following link: https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/Final%20Report%20_%20National%20Conference%20Marking%20110%20years%20of%20the%20Native%20Land%20Act.pdf

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Commissioner JB Sibanyoni This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 083 286 3017