The South African Law Reform Commission is calling for comments on Discussion Paper 162, Project 149, which aims to review and repeal colonial and apartheid-era legislation. The deadline for comments is 30 September 2024.
The review is in line with the country’s constitutional rights, enshrined in sections 15 to 19 of the Constitution, which promote equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. The Commission seeks to address the lingering effects of historical injustices and promote transformation and redress.
Online users have welcomed the call, but many are questioning when South Africa will have discussions about the 1913 Land Act, a contentious piece of legislation that has had far-reaching consequences for land ownership and dispossession.
The 1913 Land Act, also known as the Native Land Act, was a cornerstone of apartheid policy, restricting black South Africans’ access to land and leading to widespread dispossession and displacement. The Act has been widely criticised for its role in perpetuating inequality and poverty.
The South African Law Reform Commission’s review of colonial and apartheid era legislation is a crucial step towards addressing these historical injustices and promoting a more equitable society.
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