Native Lands in South Africa

Abstract

IN recent discussion in the Union of South Africa relating to the Cape franchise and native representation in Parliament, it was generally understood that, when once this question had been settled, consideration would be given to the problem of native lands, in accordance with an undertaking outstanding for many years. At present the lands held as native reserves comprise some 20,000,000 acres, which in part owing to native custom, in part owing to increase in population, is admittedly quite insufficient for tribal needs. In order to remedy a situation which is the cause of considerable unrest, and as General Hertzog, the Prime Minister, stated in Parliament, as an earnest of the Government's sincerity in dealing sympathetically with native needs, a Bill has been introduced, of which the second reading was moved by Mr. Grobler, Minister for Native Affairs, on April 30. Under its provisions, a South African Native Trust is to be established, which will be administered by the Governor General. In this Trust will be vested all lands reserved for native occupation; and further land is to be purchased out of moneys to be provided by Parliament. Purchase will be spread over a period of five years, the total amount of the expenditure being £10,000,000. This will admit, it is expected, of an addition of 14,000,000 acres to the reserves. Among the provisions of the Bill it is proposed to include the gradual abolition of native squatting on European-owned lands and the registration of native labour tenants. Of these the former will in all probability arouse some opposition on the part of various interests; but the practice has given rise to friction and abuse on occasion, and on the whole its abolition is probably well advised.