Land Restitution in South Africa: Governance, Tenure Security and Transformative Potential

Abstract

Land restitution is central to South Africa’s land reform agenda but its contribution to sustainable socio-economic transformation remains contested. This study examines governance, tenure and political-economic factors shaping restitution outcomes. Using qualitative document analysis and thematic analysis, the findings reveal that institutional fragmentation, weak administrative capacity and tenure uncertainties constrain effectiveness, while structural inequalities and limited access to resources undermine beneficiary livelihoods. The study concludes that improved institutional coordination, stronger governance capacity and targeted economic support are essential to enhance restitution’s developmental impact and inform policy on land reform and agrarian transformation.