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President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent praise of Zimbabwe’s land reform efforts has drawn sharp criticism from South Africa’s agricultural leaders, who warn against adopting policies that undermine property rights and food security.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on 29 August, Ramaphosa lauded that country’s efforts to dismantle colonial-era land ownership patterns and promote black Zimbabweans’ participation in farming. He described land reform as “essential – for both historical redress and food security, development, and economic growth,” and congratulated Zimbabwe’s government for investing in irrigation, mechanisation, and farmer support. But his remarks have reignited debate in South Africa, where land reform remains one of the most divisive policy issues.
Economists warn against copying Zimbabwe
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), said Zimbabwe’s land reform experience was a “significant failure” that crippled the economy and left agriculture struggling to recover.
“While we can all wish Zimbabwe well in its efforts to rebuild, the country’s land reform is no model for South Africa,” he wrote in an email earlier this week. Sihlobo emphasised that South Africa’s reform must remain market based, anchored in strong property rights, and driven by the release of 2,5 million hectares of state-owned land to new farmers with title deeds.
Agri SA stresses property rights
Agri SA echoed the call for certainty, with CEO Johann Kotzé reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to defending private property rights. “Private property rights are the primary basis on which South African agriculture is structured,” Kotzé said. “Any risk to upholding these fundamental rights holds grave implications for agricultural sustainability and food security.”
He urged government to urgently transfer land it has already acquired for redistribution, arguing that secure ownership is critical for financing, investment, and growth.
TLU SA: “Ramaphosa has lost our trust”
Farmers’ union TLU SA went further, accusing Ramaphosa of exposing an ideological agenda long suspected by critics. In a strongly worded statement, the organisation said the president had “lost the benefit of the doubt” by praising a policy internationally condemned for its role in food shortages, economic collapse, and human rights abuse.
“Ramaphosa has not merely let his ideological slip show; he has pulled it over his head,” the statement read. TLU SA described his admiration for Zimbabwe’s land reform as “not just poor statesmanship, but a direct threat to rights, freedom, and sustainable development in South Africa.”
The union pledged to continue fighting for property rights in all forms – cultural, intellectual, and economic — and said the issue would be a key focus at TLU SA’s upcoming congress. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
