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Land expropriation without compensation voices from rural youth in Limpopo Vhembe

Introduction

Micieli, (2021) in countries like the United States, the complex history is shaped by
colonization, slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies, resulting in profound effects
on various communities and influencing social, economic, and political landscapes. The
arrival of European settlers led to the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and the forced
migration of Africans for slavery, establishing a foundation for racial oppression (Pieratos, et
al, 2021). The Jim Crow era institutionalized racial segregation, perpetuating discrimination
and inequality until the mid-20th century (Valls, 2018). In SADC countries like South Africa,
Namibia, and Zimbabwe, challenges related to land redistribution are rooted in historical
imbalances from colonial and apartheid periods (Mokoena, 2020). Calls for land reform aim
to address social and economic inequalities. Zimbabwe's Fast Track Land Reform Program in
the early 2000s, part of broader land reform efforts, sought to rectify historical imbalances in
land distribution. However, it faced criticism for its impact on agricultural productivity and
economic stability (Maraire, 2021). The redistribution of land in these countries has
significant implications for agricultural productivity, economic stability, and social cohesion.

South Africa's history is etched with the scars of colonialism and apartheid, leaving a legacy
of land dispossession that continues to reverberate through the socio-political landscape
(Roux and Parnell, 2020; Msuthu, 2020). The call for land reform, with the possibility of
expropriation without compensation, has emerged as a response to rectify historical injustices
and foster a more equitable society (Arend, 2020). However, understanding the perspectives
of individuals directly impacted by these policies is essential for crafting effective and
inclusive solutions. Rural universities in South Africa serve as crucibles of diverse
experiences, housing students from communities with deep-rooted connections to the land
(Hull et al., 2019). These institutions are microcosms where historical context, cultural
heritage, and educational aspirations converge. Despite their significance, there exists a gap
in literature and research that explores how youth in vhembe perceive and engage with the
complex issue of land expropriation without compensation (Chigara, 2019).

In the rural landscapes of Limpopo Vhembe region, the discourse on land expropriation
without compensation resonates deeply among the youth. With a rich heavy cultural heritage
and a history marked by land dispossession, their voices carry significance weight in the
ongoing national debate. This study aims to examine land expropriation without
compensation through the prism of rural youth.

Problem statement

The issue of land redress is complex and constitutes a contemporary challenge in Africa. The
general belief is that independence without land ownership is incomplete. In the context of
South Africa, the land question is deeply rooted and there are divergent opinions on the
modality to be adopted to address the problem. There are two extremes, namely expropriation
without compensation and expropriation with compensation. Seemingly, expropriation
without compensation is dominated among the black majority. The position is premised on
historical injustices, social equity, and economic development (Borras and Franco, 2020;
Barden, 2020). While considerable attention has been directed towards understanding the
broader implications of land reform on the economy, there exists a notable gap in
comprehending how youth in vhembe perceive this contentious issue. The problem arises
from the lack of empirical insights into the perspectives of this demographic, whose voices
are crucial in shaping the future narrative of land reform. The study brings a more nuanced
dimension of examining land reform through the prism of the youth in Vhembe.

Justification why youth

Focusing on the youth is crucial because they represent the future of the region. Their
perspectives and aspirations shape the trajectory of societal development. In many rural areas,
including Limpopo's Vhembe region, young people often face significant challenges,
including limited access to education, employment opportunities, and resources like land.
Engaging with youth perspectives on land expropriation without compensation is essential for
ensuring that policies and decisions reflect their needs and aspirations. Additionally,
empowering young people with access to land can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and
community development, ultimately leading to more inclusive and sustainable outcomes for
the region as a whole.