Land reform is one of the most sensitive issues of our time. Yet increasingly the landed and landless, black and white, are directing their anger at the government for failing to settle claims. Land policies that look good on paper, are being stymied through inefficiency and bungling. In parts of the country, tempers are being inflamed.
Special Assignment travels to Kwa-Zulu Natal where tensions over land have reached boiling point. In January this year, farm manager Ken Eva, was bludgeoned to death when a meeting with landless people turned sour. At issue, was a long-standing boundary dispute between the commercial farmer and the neighbouring eSibhonsweni community. Locals say that Ken Eva’s death could have been avoided, if the Department of Land Affairs had acted when this issue was first brought to its attention years earlier.
Elsewhere in the province, communities are questioning the government’s political will to give them land. Farm dwellers have little clout, and despite laws to improve their security, they still face eviction – sometimes at the hands of the government.
Special Assignment looks at why people are still losing their land, despite a reform programme that aims to right the wrongs of the past. In many cases, competing claims and agendas mean the poorest of the poor are still losing out – despite the best of intentions on the part of the authorities.
Salt of the Earth is produced by Sasha Wales-Smith and cameraman Byron Taylor.
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