What's Happening?
Peter Setou, Chief Executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, emphasizes the need for stronger governance within Communal Property Associations (CPAs) to realize the full potential of South Africa's land reform program. Despite progress in transferring
land to disadvantaged communities, poor governance and compliance failures hinder CPAs from driving rural development and economic transformation. Setou highlights the importance of community ownership beyond land transfer, advocating for improved management and decision-making processes.
Why It's Important?
Effective governance of CPAs is crucial for the success of land reform in South Africa. By addressing governance challenges, CPAs can become powerful tools for economic transformation and rural development. Improved compliance and management could lead to better utilization of restituted land, benefiting communities economically and socially. The Communal Property Associations Amendment Act of 2018 aims to enhance compliance oversight, which could further strengthen CPAs' role in land reform.
What's Next?
Setou suggests implementing capacity building and institutional support to ensure good governance and accountability within CPAs. He advocates for mechanisms like compliance notices and periodic inspections to enforce regulations. Leveraging technology for compliance management and establishing community advisory boards could also enhance governance. These steps are essential for CPAs to effectively manage land and contribute to South Africa's economic growth.
Beyond the Headlines
The complexity of managing CPAs, akin to running a small country, poses significant challenges. Limited skills and resources among committee members further complicate governance. Incentives for compliance and professional administration could motivate CPAs to improve their operations, ultimately leading to successful land reform.
