The Land Expropriation Bill in South Africa: A Political Ecology Perspective

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Page: 585-590

Mandla A. Mubecua¹, Hlanganani Mnguni², and Mfaniseni Wiseman Mbatha³ (Business School, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa¹, Centre for Learning Evaluation and Results Anglophone Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa², and Department of Development Studies, University of Zululand, Richards Bay, South Africa³)

The paper focuses on the Approved Land Expropriation Bill in South Africa through the lens of political ecology, focusing on the intersection of power dynamics, environmental considerations, and socio-economic inequalities in shaping land redistribution. Through this theoretical framework, the paper explores how historical injustices, state policies, and capitalist interests continue to influence land access, sustainability, and the livelihoods of marginalized communities. The analysis focuses on two key dimensions of political ecology: resource accessibility and allocation, and power dynamics. Firstly, the paper argues that structural barriers such as elite capture and ineffective policy frameworks continue to hinder equitable land allocation, despite post-apartheid land reform efforts. These barriers have perpetuated disparities in land ownership and access, limiting the intended redistributive impact of land expropriation policies. Secondly, power dynamics play a crucial role in shaping land redistribution outcomes, particularly in determining who controls and benefits from land reforms. While the state serves as the primary agent of land reform, it faces resistance from powerful private sector actors, including commercial farmers and landowners who exert significant influence over land pricing, market mechanisms, and policy decisions. This entrenched resistance often undermines government initiatives aimed at fostering a more equitable land tenure system. Situating the Land Expropriation Bill within the broader framework of political ecology, this study provides a critical perspective on the complexities of land reform in South Africa, underscoring the persistent structural and political challenges that shape the implementation and effectiveness of expropriation policies.