Land Matters and Rural Development: 2020

Abstract

Covid-19 had a profound impact on South Africa, not only in relation to its health system but also in relation to matters such as access to land and adequate housing. This note discusses, amongst other, the case law focusing on evictions and housing reported during 2020. The note also indicates that restitution remains a complex matter that is not going to be resolved soon. The proposed 2020 amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the proposed Expropriation Bill are further analysed. The proposed amendment legislation in relation to upgrading of land rights to give effect to Constitutional Court decisions is referred to. This note includes the most important 2020 land reform developments pertaining to section 25 of the Constitution and expropriation, land restitution, land reform legislation, unlawful occupation, housing, deeds, sectional titles land redistribution and rural development.