By Thelela Ngcetane-Vika and Fumene George Tsibani:
This treatise is precipitated by the tacit observation that the underdevelopment of Africa by Global North Royal Monarchies and their economic elites is often indirectly buttressed by the hubris of certain political analysts. These analysts have proximity to economic freedom due to their connections to political legends, revolutionary leaders, and South African liberators of the early 1940s towards the window of change in Africa in the 1960s.
Their penchant for employing radical jargon, whilst conducting a superficial face-value analysis of our complexities, only serves to perpetuate the systemic entrenchment of the status quo and regrettable distortions of our rich historical heritages and histories. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of the Berlin Conference resolutions of 1884/1885, which have had a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape of Africa and her divided countries, with South Africa being a post-apartheid country and her uniqueness thereof.
As Patrick Tariq Mellet, bestselling author of “The Lie of 1652” (2024) and “The Truth About Cape Slavery” (2024), astutely observes, “slavery is at the core of the glaring inequalities which persist in South Africa to this day. Yet, slavery is but a subscript in our national consciousness.” (Mellet, 2024: after page 272)
The recent remarks made by prominent political analysts from the elite class have left many perplexed and outraged. Their audacious and tactless comments have often stirred controversy, laying bare the insidious nature of power and its ability to shape public discourse instead of our desired future which can be reviewed, revised, renewed, rethought, reimagined and restored under an all-inclusive National Dialogue if strategists are leading the processes and procedures in a systematic manner.
As Professor Thuli Madonsela astutely observed, these elites’ arrogance plays into the hands of those who refuse to be ordinary citizens of our beloved country. This phenomenon is exemplified by the Afriforum, Solidarity Union, the 49 Afrikaners and more who inaccurately used refugee status outside the United Nations Organisation ( UNO) human rights definitions to flee to the United States of America (USA).
The remarks of the political analysts, who happened to be associated with political legends, serve to bolster white supremacy, the Solidarity Union, and the Afri-Forum’s stance on minority rights, while perpetuating the divisive notion of balkanizing our country through the creation of multiple Oranias. Their apparent ignorance of the historical struggles and triumphs of black people, particularly in the context of the incomplete National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and its two stage theory, is a glaring omission that undermines the validity of their arguments, albeit they are a minority in South Africa and majority in terms of economic articulations to feed into the distortions of dual economy and its impact on South Africa.
Notably, the early farming communities (EFCs) in South Africa, which flourished in pre-1860s, demonstrate the ingenuity and agricultural prowess of indigenous Africans. These EFCs, comprising various African groups, including the Khoe, San, and AbaNtu, coexisted harmoniously, cultivating the land and developing sophisticated irrigation systems.
Their achievements were, however, deliberately erased by the scourge of imperialism, Cape slavery, colonialism, and the Sir George Grey scorched military attacks on African livelihoods, coined as Nongqawuse and Mfesane quasi-mythical stories to defend atrocities committed by Global North Royal Monarchies and their political elites. The political analysts’ lack of understanding of the neoliberal compromises that have hindered meaningful transformation, such as the sunset clause, lack of land distribution, and restitution, is a stark reminder of their disconnect from the lived experiences of black people. Yet, no reasonable person can condone state capture and its impact from as far back as 1985 and state looting thereof.
The insightful work of Walter Rodney, as articulated in his seminal book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,” offers a poignant critique of the systemic suppression of innovation and development in subjugated peoples. Revisiting Rodney’s work, including the negative consequences of the past, characterized by displacement, concentration of Africans into former homelands with infertile soils, and the current opaque nature of land ownership, is crucial.
As we navigate the complexities of the land question in 2025 and beyond, it is imperative that we adopt a multifaceted approach, predicated upon the principles of justice, equality, and unity. The disparities in land ownership, property, and assets between blacks and whites in South Africa serve as a stark reminder of the systemic entrenchment of inequality.
According to the Land Audit Report of 2019, a staggering 72% of agricultural land is owned by white individuals, while blacks own a mere 4%. This glaring imbalance is a testament to the enduring legacy of colonialism and apartheid. The statistics are equally damning when it comes to property ownership. A report by the South African Property Owners Association revealed that in 2020, whites owned approximately 63% of all properties in South Africa, while blacks owned a paltry 21%.
To address this egregious imbalance, it is essential that we implement a comprehensive land reform program, predicated upon the principles of restitution, redistribution, and reconciliation. This program must prioritize the allocation of land to historically disadvantaged communities, whilst ensuring that the rights of all citizens are protected and respected.
As the venerable Nelson Mandela once observed, “the land question is a matter of life and death for the African people.” It is imperative that we heed this wisdom and adopt a unified approach to addressing the land question. By doing so, we may yet create a more just and equitable society, wherein all citizens can live in harmony and prosperity.
The “second deed of sale” amongst white individuals must be abolished, as it perpetuates the cycle of inequality and excludes black people from the property market. Instead, we must promote a culture of inclusivity and cooperation, wherein all citizens can participate in the economy and own property.
The absent landlord theory must be rejected, as it is a callous and ridiculous attempt to obfuscate the truth about land ownership patterns. We must acknowledge the historical injustices that have been perpetrated against black people and take concrete steps to address these injustices.
As Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We must recognize that the struggle for land justice in South Africa is inextricably linked to the broader struggle for human rights and dignity.
Furthermore, as Albert Einstein astutely observed, “the important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” We must continue to question the status quo and seek solutions that promote justice, equality, and unity.
As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize unity and cooperation amongst all South Africans. We must recognize that our diversity is our strength and that our differences are what make us unique. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all, wherein every citizen can live in dignity and prosperity.
In the words of the esteemed Desmond Tutu, “We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference.” Let us heed this wisdom and strive to create a more just and equitable society wherein all citizens can live in harmony and prosperity.
In light of these developments, it is imperative that legitimate African Royal Monarchies and their credible Royal clans, representing all African people, consolidate their policy on land expropriation to protect their dignity and that of their monarchies. We must assert our position boldly, drawing inspiration from the fearless leadership of the 1940s and 1976 youth leaders, lest we risk being found wanting or burying our heads in the sand at a critical juncture when our opinions matter most.
The time for timid acquiescence is over; we must demand justice, equality, and the restoration of our land and dignity. Dr. Thelela Ngcetane-Vika, a distinguished Women Leadership Award Winner in Saudi Arabia this year, would astutely advise that these elite analysts must delve beyond the superficialities of our political landscape and grasp the complexities that underpin our nation’s struggles.
Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika: Academic: Wits School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand, International Law, Political Economy, Gender Studies and Governance.
Dr Fumene George Tsibani is Professor of Practice. Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Nuclear Research Centre, Water Governance and Evaluation Expert – @NewsSA_Online
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