Land Reform and Rural Renewal: Department tables R10.336bn budget to drive change

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has tabled an ambitious budget vote for 2026/27 that pairs funding with planned legislation and institutional changes to expand equitable land access and support rural renewal.

Budget numbers and targeted land transfers

For the 2026/27 financial year the department was allocated R10.336 billion. Of that sum, R630 million is earmarked to acquire and allocate approximately 57 751 hectares for redistribution and tenure security, while a further R388 million is designated to support infrastructure and agricultural production as post-settlement support.

The department reported that during the past reporting period it acquired approximately 53 000 hectares and allocated more than 35 000 hectares to qualifying individuals and communities. More than 20 000 hectares of that allocation went to women beneficiaries and 13 000 hectares to youth.

Tenure security and recent outcomes

Security of tenure was highlighted as central to restoring dignity and economic stability for farm dwellers and labour tenants. The department said over 700 farm dwellers and labour tenants received land, and 61 labour tenant matters were finalised with support from the Special Master. In addition, 206 000 hectares were transferred from the department to affected communities under the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act.

“We recognise the need to improve further,”

The department quoted Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso reaffirming a commitment to prioritise women, youth and persons with disabilities in future allocations.

Legislation and the land administration agenda

The Budget Vote set out a legislative timetable for two major Bills. The Equitable Access to Land Bill and the Communal Land Tenure and Administration Bill are scheduled to be presented to Cabinet and opened for public consultation by June 2026, with the full Parliamentary process targeted for completion by mid-2027.

The Equitable Access to Land Bill is intended to give effect to section 25(5) of the Constitution and to establish a Land Reform Agency to manage land identification, beneficiary allocation and post-settlement support. The Communal Land Tenure and Administration Bill aims to secure legal tenure in former homelands and communal areas through a democratic, gender-sensitive system of land administration that brings traditional leaders and communities into partnership.

A comprehensive national land audit is also under way, described by the department as a critical exercise to resolve disputes about state-held land and how ownership is distributed by race, gender, nationality and geography.

Rural development funding and programmes

The Rural Development Programme was allocated R723 million for 2026/27, with a medium-term allocation of R2.658 billion. The department plans approximately R1.6 billion in infrastructure projects over the medium term for roads, bridges, irrigation, digital connectivity and community facilities.

The National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) will receive R291 million to develop skills and link 1 227 young people to employment or small-enterprise opportunities. A technology research and development partnership involving the CSIR and the Department of Basic Education will extend to five rural schools.

Policy development and national priorities

The department said a National Rural Development Policy and a Rural Development Bill are in development. Deputy Minister Stan Mathabatha emphasised that rural underdevelopment was the result of colonialism and apartheid and that reversing it requires systematic action.

The Budget Vote framed land reform as both a constitutional imperative and a developmental necessity, pairing funding with proposed laws and institutional measures intended to advance land redistribution, tenure security and rural transformation.