Legal analysis of access to land in rural areas of South Africa for development projects

Abstract

This study seeks to demonstrate the importance of accessibility of land in the rural areas for purposes of development projects. Land in rural areas is subjected to the authority of traditional leaders and local government and is regarded as a communal property. Many rural areas are not yet developed due to the strict restrictions regulating the acquisition of land for purposes of sustainable development projects. The study outlines the procedures that allow for land allocation and acquisition in the rural areas. It also highlights the challenges being encountered to acquire land and highlights the pitfalls in interventions that restrict access to land for development purposes. Key words: Rural area, Land tenure, Traditional leaders, Local government, Land, Functions, Duties.