Native Lands Act
Quick Summary
The Native Lands Act of 1913 was a pivotal piece of legislation in South Africa that significantly impacted land ownership and racial segregation. This act designated less than one-tenth of South Africa's land as Black "reserves" and prohibited Black individuals from purchasing or leasing land outside these designated areas. It also imposed restrictions on the terms under which Black people could reside on white-owned farms.
This law was part of a broader pattern of segregationist policies implemented in the early 20th century, following the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910. These policies aimed to solidify racial separation in various spheres of life, including industrial, territorial, administrative, and residential areas. The Native Lands Act, alongside other legislation like the Mines and Works Act and the Native (Urban Areas) Act, contributed to the systematic dispossession and marginalization of the Black majority, while consolidating land ownership for the white minority.12
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Southern AfricaWhite agriculture and African reservesThe Native Lands Act of 1913 and supplementary legislation in 1936 harmonized these conflicting interests, setting aside about one-eighth of South African land for the some 4,000,000 Africans, while reserving the rest for about 1,250,000 whites.
Read MoreThe Native Lands Act of 1913 and supplementary legislation in 1936 harmonized these conflicting interests, setting aside about one-eighth of South African land for the some 4,000,000 Africans, while reserving the rest for about 1,250,000 whites.
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South AfricaSegregation of South AfricaThe Natives’ Land Act of 1913 defined less than one-tenth of South Africa as Black “reserves” and prohibited any purchase or lease of land by Blacks outside the reserves. The law also restricted the terms of tenure under which Blacks could live on white-owned farms. The…
Read MoreThe Natives’ Land Act of 1913 defined less than one-tenth of South Africa as Black “reserves” and prohibited any purchase or lease of land by Blacks outside the reserves. The law also restricted the terms of tenure under which Blacks could live on white-owned farms. The…
Read More