This Land is our Land
I don’t often venture into the field of politics simply because I don’t feel qualified to do so. I also feel somewhat weighed down by my six or so decades in this land and generally leave such matters to the younger Bloggers. Idealism being the preserve of the youth whilst cynicism is often the death rattle of the aged. Feeling in vigorous health, however, and not in the grips of the latter syndrome let me try to steer a middle course regarding Land Reform in Southern Africa.
There has been much in the press recently saying that Namibia and South Africa are to increase the tempo of land redistribution. ‘I told you so’ lamentations proclaim that we are heading the same way as Zimbabwe and by extension the ‘rest of Africa’.
Other Bloggers have correctly pointed out that thus far land redistribution has been conducted on a ‘willing seller – willing buying’ basis and that market prices have prevailed. Both Governments now say that powers of expropriation will be used to speed up the process but on a limited basis and within the law.
I agree with other commentators that although this policy raises suspicion ‘the concentration of a major resource in the hands of an ethnic minority group can be manipulated by unscrupulous politicians.’ Provided the law prevails, adequate compensation is paid and cronies of the ruling party are not enriched then land reform is not only desirable but also necessary. How else can we avoid a Zimbabwe-type situation?
I believe, however, that the provisions of the land reform policy must be extended. Land - good arable land - in Southern Africa is a scarce resource and an engine of production. It and mining are the primary industries that form the platform of our economic well-being. Good productive land should not simply be handed over to subsistence farming or so-called ‘emerging’ farmers who do not have the skill, capital or equipment to maintain production.
As taxpayer’s money is used to fund the land reform process it has to be invested in a manner that maintains a productive asset. A return has to be a Government responsibility and be visible, subject to reporting, scrutiny and review. If not then the ‘I told you so’ brigade will win a joyless victory.
I don’t often venture into the field of politics simply because I don’t feel qualified to do so. I also feel somewhat weighed down by my six or so decades in this land and generally leave such matters to the younger Bloggers. Idealism being the preserve of the youth whilst cynicism is often the death rattle of the aged. Feeling in vigorous health, however, and not in the grips of the latter syndrome let me try to steer a middle course regarding Land Reform in Southern Africa.
There has been much in the press recently saying that Namibia and South Africa are to increase the tempo of land redistribution. ‘I told you so’ lamentations proclaim that we are heading the same way as Zimbabwe and by extension the ‘rest of Africa’.
Other Bloggers have correctly pointed out that thus far land redistribution has been conducted on a ‘willing seller – willing buying’ basis and that market prices have prevailed. Both Governments now say that powers of expropriation will be used to speed up the process but on a limited basis and within the law.
I agree with other commentators that although this policy raises suspicion ‘the concentration of a major resource in the hands of an ethnic minority group can be manipulated by unscrupulous politicians.’ Provided the law prevails, adequate compensation is paid and cronies of the ruling party are not enriched then land reform is not only desirable but also necessary. How else can we avoid a Zimbabwe-type situation?
I believe, however, that the provisions of the land reform policy must be extended. Land - good arable land - in Southern Africa is a scarce resource and an engine of production. It and mining are the primary industries that form the platform of our economic well-being. Good productive land should not simply be handed over to subsistence farming or so-called ‘emerging’ farmers who do not have the skill, capital or equipment to maintain production.
As taxpayer’s money is used to fund the land reform process it has to be invested in a manner that maintains a productive asset. A return has to be a Government responsibility and be visible, subject to reporting, scrutiny and review. If not then the ‘I told you so’ brigade will win a joyless victory.
posted by Malcolm @ 2:53 pm
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