Today I spoke at the closing of the #WeDesign2016 conference. The Land Act of 1913 is arguably the most influential act passed in the history of South Africa, and the role it has played as a foundation to allow subsequent laws and spatial disparities and divisions to take traction.
Of all the processes which have brought about the inequitable distribution of wealth and power that characterises SA today, none has been more decisive to most black South Africans than the dispossession of land.
Black anger about land reform, the economy and the spatial justice is not misplaced – but it does need a home where we can all talk about the key pillars that will shape our decisions on the matter going forward. In order to do this however, we need everyone at that table.
Transformation of gender, race, class tends to begin with those affected talking to and being heard by each other’s. Beneficiaries can’t help beneficiaries. And for this reason we need the advantaged and disadvantaged, their middle men and agents to participate in changing the discourse on this matter.
I’m introducing these thoughts because in the next 103 years, the aims of land reform and spatial revolution will not be lead by the restoration of dignity and a lost past or the creation of Sandton’s, Umhlanga’s and Clifton’s, but will be lead by the need to develop and sustain inclusive structures, institutions and economies.
This is not an Us and Them problem – This is our problem.
I have learnt that it is critical to understand the role of spatial patterns in relation to the integration of settlements, development and the economy. We won’t be getting the land back until we join in the discussion and revision of spatial justice, developmental frameworks and the space economy. In the meantime… #InnateAtWork #Reflections #Property #Development #BigStagesSmallShoes #WeLead