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Land Acts

South African history

Quick Summary

The Natives' Land Act of 1913 was a pivotal piece of legislation in South Africa's history, enacted during the segregation era. This act designated less than 10% of South Africa's land as Black "reserves" and prohibited Black individuals from purchasing or leasing land outside these designated areas. It also regulated the terms under which Black people could live on white-owned farms. This legislation, along with subsequent acts like the Group Areas Act of 1950, significantly contributed to racial segregation and land dispossession, ultimately setting aside over 80% of the country's land for the white minority. The legacy of these land acts continues to impact South Africa's social and economic landscape.123

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