A Quick Look at South Africa's Land Reform Debate - How it Will Affect Tourists

Long before South Africa became a democratic republic in 1994, land reform has been an emotionally-charged topic. The South African Government, under the new leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has given its assurance to both its citizens and the world at large that this process will be done in a rational, sensible fashion.

Many believe that instituting a well-considered land reform process will go a long way to address socio-economic development, stimulate political and social stability and improve food security.

President Ramaphosa said: "Government must not give land back and stand by. Government must work with people hand-in-hand to support them."

During his state of the nation address in February 2018, Ramaphosa stated: "We will accelerate our land redistribution programme not only to redress a grave historical injustice but also to bring more producers into the agricultural sector and to make more land available for cultivation."

South Africa is a stable country with one of the most enlightened and fair constitutions in the world. It has a strong human rights culture and an impartial judicial system to enforce the rule of law.

Land reform is a highly sensitive, yet very important issue in South Africa. Many black people were forcibly removed from their land during Apartheid and many generations later remain dispossessed.

To date, Mr Ramphosa has shown himself to be a cautious, decisive businessman and a negotiator par excellence. He has given every indication that he is the man to sort out this prickly issue with empathy and due consideration, in the best interests of all peoples of South Africa.

How will all this affect tourism? It won't and it doesn't.

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing, most stable sectors of our economy. We are open for business and, with our usual, inimitable South African open-armed hospitality, we look forward to sharing our beautiful corner of the globe with you. Soon.