Land Disputes in South Africa “correlated to lack of social cohesion”: Catholic Bishop

Mariannhill, 12 April, 2023 / 8:45 PM

Disputes over land in South Africa can be linked to inability of the citizens to realize “social cohesion”, the Bishop of the country’s Catholic Diocese of Mariannhill has said.

In his April 1 Lenten Reflection published on YouTube,  Bishop Neil Augustine Frank says challenges around land go "deep into time".

“The land issue is a contentious one in South Africa and this can be correlated to the lack of social cohesion. We are not gathered together as the people of South Africa," Bishop Frank says, and adds, "Gathering the people is connected to their own land."

Bishop Frank explains the importance of cohesion and land ownership, saying the lack of togetherness resulted in the division of Israel into two kingdoms after the demise of King Solomon. 

The member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) says that in South Africa, "Our social cohesion will be achieved only when we all can say equally we are in our own land together as a nation."

To address land expropriation issues in South Africa, Parliament has proposed the Expropriation Bill. If passed into law, the Bill will replace the Expropriation Act, 1975.

"Expropriation of land and land reform in South Africa has been a contentious issue and has necessitated a review of current expropriation laws," the South African Parliament says on its website, adding that the proposed law aims at ensuring that expropriation laws are in line with the Constitution of South Africa. 

"The Bill will clearly outline how expropriation can be done and on what basis. The Bill will assist all organs of State, including the local municipalities who provide services to vulnerable groups," South Africa’s Parliament has stated.