Land is Money and Power Motsoko Pheko

Land is the economy. All over the world, land is a critically sensitive issue because there is a connection between land, economic power and real freedom, writes Dr Motsoko Pheko as he examined the implications of President Jacob Zumas proposed Regulation of Land Holdings Bill in South Africa. 

In his 2015 State of the Nation address South African President Jacob Zuma left a lasting impression on many, when he stated: During this year of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, land has become one of the most critical factors in achieving redress for the wrongs of the past. And he went on to propose that a new law, the Regulation Of Land Holdings Bill, will be tabled this year, which will set a ceiling for land ownership at a maximum of 12,000 hectares. Under the new law, which insiders believe will be fast-tracked to come into effect before the close of the year, foreign nationals will also not be allowed to own land in South Africa, while being eligible to take out long-term leases.