How critical is government commitment and support for a successful Implementation of land Reform Program? a review of Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy in South Africa

Abstract

The South African government has introduced a series of land reform programs to balance the injustices of the past, improve land use efficiency, and to ensure that the land that is allocated to the disadvantaged people is used effectively. Land reform program has generated a mixture of impacts and socio-economic consequences in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province. Data was collected through interviews in a Focus group discussion and Key informants' interviews. This article argues that the land reform program can only work if the government can provide support to the beneficiaries. The South African government should spend money on the development of the emerging black farmers so that they can be able to participate and compete in the market with the commercial farmers. Without assistance from the government, the emerging farmers under Proactive land acquisition strategy are likely to fail because of lack of resources, training, lack of access to information and market. This paper reviews the South African land reform program Proactive land acquisition strategy and the role that the government can play to ensure a successful land reform in the country. The South African government should make land reform a number one priority. Keywords: AgriSETA, Bureaucracy, Local government, Monitoring and evaluation, Rural development