Struggle for housing: South Africa's youth and the legacy of apartheid

SORELY LACKING

- GIVEN MAJOLA

IN SOUTH Africa, June marks the commemoration of one of the country's saddest chapters in the developing nation's history.

While remembering the unfortunate events that played themselves out 49 years ago, the country is also forced to look at how far it has come with regards to youth enablement, advancement and development.

One thing that defines the country's young people's state and abilities is their role in the country's property ideals.

The 1913 Natives Land Act and subsequent legislation, such as the 1936 Development Trust and Land Act, represent a chapter in South Africa's history as tragic as June 16, 1976. These acts severely restricted land ownership for Black South Africans during the apartheid era.

These acts, among others, were used to dispossess Black South Africans of their land and confine them to designated areas.

The 1913 Natives Land Act, which is considered a foundational piece of apartheid legislation, prohibited Black South Africans from purchasing or leasing land in 93% of the country, thereby limiting their land ownership to the remaining mere 7% of South Africa.

The 1936 Development Trust and Land Act further restricted Black South Africans’ land ownership, increasing the designated land for them to just 13%.

These laws paved the way for the forced removal of Black families from their land and their relocation to impoverished homelands and townships.

When South Africa attained democracy over three decades ago, the above mentioned pieces of legislation had effectively crippled the property ideals of the majority of the country’s citizens.

Work to correct this anomaly would be very difficult, requiring a lot of time, effort and resources, all of which were very limited. However, from the attainment of democracy, the country has seen its young citizens working hard to better their families’ and the country’s housing prospects.