How rural land reform policy translates into benefits

Abstract

Land reform policy in South Africa has been strongly criticised, especially its instrumentality. However, recent ethnographic studies indicate that it is a complex and deeply social process in which policy is understood differently by different actors. Rather than asking whether land reform works we should ask how it works. Using a case study of SLAG (Settlement Land Acquisition Grant) redistribution beneficiaries in a southern Cape village, this paper describes how these rural residents interpreted policy and used the resources put at their disposal by the state. These local actors' decisions and actions were based largely on their livelihood requirements and frequently determined by their historical experiences and social relationships. Although they behaved in ways that were not anticipated by officials, a number have gained tangible benefits. Beneficiary ‘success stories’ have given credence to the land reform policy, and state officials have responded by continuing to provide support to the project that was the subject of this study.

Keywords:

• actor-oriented approach
• agricultural development interventions
• land redistribution
• policy translation

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the participation of the village residents and various development officials in the research process. Peter Jacobs and Stephen Heyns are thanked for their critical and supportive comments on earlier drafts of the paper. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any other party.

Notes

¹MacDonald (1998:52) suggests that government officials are unlikely to challenge the identification of beneficiaries as this would challenge the representivity of the spokespersons with whom they engage.

²The original constitution stipulated that during the first five years the land could not be sold to non-beneficiaries.