Abstract
M.A. (Deveopment Studies)
The imbalance of property ownership in South Africa dates back to the settlement of Jan van Riebeeck at the Cape. The Europeans did not originally plan an expanding colony, only a trade station for providing ships with vegetables, water and meat. Property
ownership did not occur at the time, although a certain degree of property utilization did exist. The white colonists as well as the black native population needed property for a similar reason, namely for farming. Competition was therefore inevitable. Although a policy of partition regarding blacks and whites was encouraged, it was not based on
constitutional law. since 1910 segregation however formed an integral part of the law of the Union of South Africa, and in 1913 and 1936 these important laws were romulgated. The passing of these laws resulted in 20% of the population (whites) presently owning 80% of land property in South Africa. Since 2 February 1990 phenomenal changes have taken place in South Africa. As a result of these changes, as well as several additional factors, it became clear that land tenure reform should take place in south Africa. One of the most important objectives regarding property ownership in the international
context, constitutes the provision of property ownership rights in favour of those who did not possess any such rights in the past. Land tenure reform in Africa has always been politically inspired, as has become evident from reforms which have taken place after independence in most African countries. In South Africa it is not a question of whether land tenure reform will take place, but to what extent and by which modus operandi.
This study aims at determining the nature of the view points of the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Party (NP) regarding land tenure reform. As a result of their positioning in the south African society, these two political groups will play an important role in determining the modus operandi' for land tenure reform. various differences of opinion as well as agreements on a policy of land tenure reform by these two political groups agreed upon were identified in this dissertation. Both groups agree that land tenure reform should take place, however, no agreement can be reached on the modus operandi. The ANC favours a policy of Government involvement in land tenure reform as well as a restriction on the quantity of property individuals are allowed
to own. The National Party however, favours land tenure reform determined by market-related policies and unrestricted property ownership, which can be supplemented by letting properties. Land tenure reform should accommodate the needs of the largest
possible section of the popUlation. The success of land tenure reform is determined by the degree to which the needs of the population are adhered to. At the same time, it has to be accepted that production will be of utmost importance for the allocation of agricultural property.