The controversy of land reform : a case of Mpangisa in Mid- Illovo
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Date
1999
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Abstract
The present land distribution in South Africa emanated-from a history of land dispossession and racially rooted land legislation. The present state of agriculture is to a large extent influenced by present and past land policies of the Region.
Colonial dispossession of land in Mpangisa began in the 19th century and was still going on undisturbed until recently. The ignorance and poverty of the residents subjected them to this situation. Their mistake was the friendliness and hospitality they had for the strangers that arrived in their land. Their generations are now reaping the fruits of this kindness.
The historical account of Mpangisa. which was collected from oral information, portrays the salient features of this community. Not only does it show how land dispossession was carried out with the backing of official structures such as the courts and the department of surveying, but it also shows how severe the dispossession have been on the deprived commianity. The historical account gives the subtle facts on how communities were marginalised and impoverished by colonial and Apartheid land and agricultural land policies.
As a result of the history of land dispossession and evictions, Mpangisa reserve is completely surrounded by the commercial farmers with big pieces of land. The situation of Mpangisa in Mid-Hlovo makes it an island of misery in the midst of plenty. Its situation was complicated by the racial laws of apartheid which declared separate facilities for the different racial groups. Although Mpangisa is serviced by the Umbumbufu magisterial district, and is administered by the chief of Emfume, the neighbouring fanners and farm tenants were administered and serviced by the Camperdown Magisterial District. This is part of the problem experienced by the residence in dealing with their problems.
The population of the area has been growing by natural increase as well as by immigration of labour tenants who have been evicted from neighbouring farms. This growth of population has resulted in overpopulation and overstocking processes which are the major cause soil erosion. Lack of land and other resources are associated with faction fighting.
There are no development programmes in Mpangisa. A few socio-economic faculties such as schools, a clinic, and shops cater for the bare needs of the people. Lack of health facilities is related to the high incidence of infant mortality and other poverty related diseases such as tuberculosis. As a small community that is marginal in as far as the terms and conditions of the land reform programme are concerned, the residents of Mpangisa are left to fight their own struggle for the reparation of their land.
Description
Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Geography at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1999.
Keywords
Land reform--South Africa, Land reform--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal--Mpangisa