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Marshall Ndlela, [email protected]

IN a significant turn of events, South Africa has begun to echo the actions of its northern neighbour, Zimbabwe, regarding land expropriation. This decision stems from a long history of colonisation that has shaped the socio-political landscapes of both nations as well as Africa at large.

The tale of colonisation is steeped in tragedy, beginning in the late 19th century with European powers engaged in what was known as the “Scramble for Africa.” The British, Germans, Portuguese and Dutch fought for dominance, invading and colonising regions that would become Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Colonisers dispossessed Africans of their land, relegating them to arid, mountainous terrain unsuitable for agriculture while Caucasian settlers flourished on the rich, fertile lands.

The exploitation did not stop at agricultural displacement. The African continent became a treasure chest for European nations, as heavy exploration led to the mass extraction of gold, diamonds, platinum, oil, and nickel, all exported to Europe and the USA. This extraction often came at a high cost to local populations and wildlife, with reckless poaching rampant, causing severe depletion of biodiversity.

The once-lush landscapes were left in ruins, and livestock populations dwindled as colonial powers prioritised resource extraction over sustainability.

Central to this history was Cecil John Rhodes and his dream of a railway from “Cape to Cairo,” which symbolised not only ambition but also the aggressive colonisation that characterised the time.

Unfortunately, this dream paved the way for further exploitation and oppression of the African people, igniting a long fight for freedom, independence, and the repossession of land that was stolen.

The legacy of colonisation continues to haunt South Africa, particularly through its Dutch-descended population, known as Afrikaners or “Boers.” Despite being foreigners in African lands, this group has persistently claimed a unique identity, claiming to be true Africans.

This self-identification has fuelled ongoing tensions and conflicts, particularly against the revolutionary parties that arose in response to apartheid policies.

The apartheid government’s reaction to neighbouring countries supporting anti-apartheid movements was one of violent aggression. South Africa bombed Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Swaziland in attempts to undermine their support for the African National Congress (ANC). It is this very hostility that makes the land expropriation debates so poignant.

Zimbabwe’s bold move to allow land repossession by Black Zimbabweans, which began in the early 2000s, triggered international outrage and an onslaught of sanctions from the West, citing human rights violations. The country’s image and integrity suffered, with globalists perpetuating the narrative that the land reform was chaotic and destructive, despite the rightful aspirations of its citizens.

Fast forward to today, South Africa finds itself at a similar crossroads. The masses increasingly demand land retribution, evident in the growing factions within the ANC advocating for land expropriation, as well as the rise of progressive parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM). In response, the ANC has signed a Land Expropriation Act, following Zimbabwe’s lead — an action that required nearly 30 years of deliberation.

The echoes of Zimbabwe’s land stance have not gone unnoticed. The same white minority farmers fleeing Zimbabwe are now engaging with political influencers like to seek sanctions against South Africa, mirroring the actions of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe. In South Africa, organisations such as AfriForum, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other right-leaning groups have rallied to request sanctions, claiming that land reforms threaten their livelihood and rights.

In a predicted response, the Trump administration issued soft sanctions cutting aid to South Africa, affecting vulnerable populations, particularly those living with HIV/Aids and members of the LGBTQ+ community who depended on USAid support. The irony is palpable: what is happening in South Africa is merely a fraction of the calamity that engulfed Zimbabwe during its land expropriation.

As history tends to repeat itself, Trump is now offering a refugee plan to white Afrikaners under the pretence of protecting them from what he deems an oppressive environment. This echoes the earlier approaches taken by Britain and Australia, which provided direct citizenship pathways rather than refugee statuses to fleeing Rhodesian farmers.

President Donald Trump

In the grand tapestry of Africa’s struggle for justice and restitution, South Africa’s move towards land expropriation marks a pivotal moment that could reshape the continent’s future. However, as history has taught us, this journey will undoubtedly face its challenges, particularly from those still entrenched in colonial legacies and power dynamics that resist true change.

As the world watches, one critical question looms: will South Africa learn from Zimbabwe’s tumultuous journey? Only time will tell. But for now, the quest for rightful land ownership continues unabated.