Reclaiming Land, Restoring Governance: Building the Africa We Want

By Anonymous 

“Waking up on the morning of 20 June 1913, the native found himself not a slave, but a pariah in his own land” – Sol Plaatjie

Land ownership in Africa, particularly in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, is not only a political issue but a deeply spiritual matter for African people. The forced alienation from the land, as symbolized by the 1913 Native Land Act in South Africa, has had profound consequences, both materially and culturally, across the continent. The process of land dispossession by European colonialists, beginning with the 1884 Berlin Conference, systematically severed the connection between Africans and their ancestral lands. This separation did more than just redistribute resources—it created a longstanding imbalance of power, wealth, and identity.

In addressing land ownership today, we are called to confront a legacy that continues to shape political and social realities in post-independence Africa. To build a sustainable, democratic future, Africans must reconnect with the land for healing, economic empowerment, and cultural resurgence. Good governance, respect for human rights, and constitutionalism—principles that are crucial for stability—can only be fully realized when the people are restored to their land. In countries like Zimbabwe and Eswatini, where political instability and economic inequality persist, equitable land redistribution must become central to policy making, as it touches upon economic justice and the very soul of African governance.

 Historical Context: The Berlin Conference and the Scramble for Africa

The 1884 Berlin Conference, which regulated the European colonization of Africa, marked the formalization of a process that had already begun with the arrival of Europeans like Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Africa was partitioned by European powers to avoid conflict among themselves, without regard for the indigenous populations. This theft of resources and land not only advanced European economic interests but also stripped Africans of autonomy and created a cycle of exploitation and exclusion that reverberates today.

The Native Land Act of 1913 in South Africa, passed without the consent of the people, was the first significant legislative framework designed to dispossess Black South Africans of their ancestral lands. It confined them to a mere 7% of the country’s arable land, consolidating white economic power. Despite resistance, such as the delegation led by Dr. Walter Benson Rubusana in 1913, the act remained in force, exemplifying how colonial legal structures were employed to entrench racial and economic injustice.

Land, Liberation, and Governance Failures in PostColonial Africa

The liberation movements that arose in the 20th century sought not only to end colonial rule but to restore dignity and land to the African people. Movements such as the African National Congress (ANC), FRELIMO in Mozambique, SWAPO in Namibia, and ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe united people beyond tribal and regional lines, striving for independence and self-determination. In Zimbabwe, the Chimurenga uprisings, led by figures like Mbuya Nehanda, highlighted the spiritual connection between the land and the African identity. These movements shared the same goals—liberating the continent and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources, especially land, to the indigenous population.

However, post-independence governance has often failed to live up to the promise of liberation. In Zimbabwe, the fast-track land reform program of the early 2000s aimed to redress colonial land dispossession but has largely benefited political elites rather than the masses. In Eswatini, the absolute monarchy controls both the land and the people, with King Mswati III monopolizing the country's wealth, leading to sustained protests and unrest. These failures highlight the gap between the liberation agenda and the reality of governance today.

Restoring Constitutionalism and Good Governance

True liberation must extend beyond political independence to economic self-determination. For land reform to be effective, it needs to be inclusive, equitable, and anchored in constitutionalism and good governance. Constitutional reforms that prioritize land redistribution, in alignment with human rights principles, are essential for achieving economic justice. The role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advocating for these reforms is critical. 

Moreover, governments must create policies that encourage sustainable land use, allowing citizens to cultivate, grow food, and sustain their livelihoods. In Zimbabwe, where political patronage has undermined genuine land reform, and in Eswatini, where repression stifles democratic expression, advocacy for reform must be pursued both domestically and regionally. SADC, as a regional body, has a key role to play in mediating conflicts and holding member states accountable.

The Broader Socio-Economic and Environmental Dimensions

Land is not just an economic asset; it is vital for social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and rural communities. Africa's economic future depends on sustainable land practices that address food security, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. As urbanization increases, arable land must be protected and managed in a way that balances growth with environmental preservation.

The economic disparity between urban elites and rural populations often exacerbates social tensions. Crime rates and unsafe migration patterns in countries like Zimbabwe and Eswatini are, in part, a response to economic exclusion. Without access to land and economic opportunities, many turn to desperate measures, fueling cycles of poverty, violence, and instability.

Mobilization and the Way Forward

The call to reclaim Africa must start with the people. Grassroots mobilization is essential to holding leaders accountable and pushing for governance reforms that prioritize the redistribution of land and wealth. Social media campaigns, while impactful, must be complemented by on-the-ground organizing that empowers citizens to demand better governance. This includes forming popular fronts to challenge corrupt, patronage-driven systems and advocating for policies that ensure the land is used for the benefit of the majority, not just the politically connected.

The 2025 mobilization year presents an opportunity for youth and marginalized groups to rise against poor governance, corruption, and exclusion from economic opportunities. The rights of women, children, and other vulnerable groups must be protected, ensuring that the future of Africa is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.

Conclusion: The Africa We Want

The vision for Africa is one where the relationship between the people and the land is restored—both as a spiritual connection and as a means of economic liberation. The land is central to healing the continent's past wounds and fostering a future where prosperity is shared. As we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, we must continue their struggle by ensuring that land reform and governance are aligned with the principles of justice, equity, and sustainability. Only then can Africa reclaim its rightful place on the world stage.