As South Africa commemorates 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter, civil society organizations argue that more must be done to empower beneficiaries of the land reform program to fully realize Clause Four of the charter, which declares that “the land shall be shared among those who work it.”
While some communities have successfully commercialized restituted land, infighting within Communal Property Associations (CPAs) and a lack of financial training have led to the collapse of many farms, with critics blaming the government for insufficient support.
Success Story: The Mulea Community
One of the earliest beneficiaries of land restitution, the Makuleke community—located near Kruger National Park—has turned their land into a thriving banana plantation. With high unemployment and illiteracy rates, the village has employed over 350 residents through strategic partnerships.
“We are 37 farmers managing this land, employing around 350 people, and benefiting more than 500 households,” said one farmer. A female worker added, “I am the sole breadwinner for my family. Since working here, crime and alcohol abuse have decreased because people have jobs.”
Struggles of the Machigiri CPA
However, not all land claimants have seen success. The Machikiri CPA, which received its land in 2008, remains undeveloped due to internal conflicts. Some members accuse others of secretly benefiting from lease agreements without transparency.
“Some people help themselves to our land, and officials take their side,” said a frustrated claimant. Another lamented, “Our grandparents died without seeing this land returned. We want our children to benefit, but infighting is holding us back.”
Call for Training and Government Support
The Makuleke CPA, which also regained 27,000 hectares within Kruger National Park, now operates lodges and a ranger training college. Their leaders advise other CPAs to form legal entities and ensure all beneficiaries understand land management plans to avoid disputes.
Civil society organizations, such as the Research and Land Rights Services group, argue that the government must do more to provide financial and agricultural training to CPAs. “Many farms lie fallow, infrastructure is stolen, and beneficiaries lack the skills to manage land effectively,” a representative said.
Freedom Charter Yet to Become Policy
Despite its symbolic importance, the Freedom Charter remains an ANC document rather than official government policy. Seventy years later, its promise of equitable land distribution remains unfulfilled for many.
As land reform continues, the success of communities like Makuleke shows what is possible—while the struggles of others highlight the urgent need for better governance, training, and conflict resolution in South Africa’s land restitution program.
