PRETORIA — Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has unveiled the results of a comprehensive study evaluating the Land Restitution Programme's socio-economic impact. Initiated in 2018, the research was a collaborative effort between the government, the Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit at the University of Cape Town, and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation. The study aimed to assess the repercussions of land dispossession on families and communities, both economically and psychologically.

According to South African Government News Agency, land dispossession significantly hindered the economic prosperity of black South Africans, shattered families, alienated communities, and sowed seeds of trauma and impoverishment that have persisted across generations. Didiza highlighted that the fragmentation of families led to a loss of identity and social cohesion, plunging individuals into poverty and affecting their psychological well-being and decision-making capabilities.

The study, which surveyed 2,664 households and 3,378 individuals, was designed to quantify the restitution's effects on beneficiaries' overall well-being, encompassing economic augmentation, psychological enhancements, cognitive development, and social upliftment. Economically, the study found that the financial status of restitution beneficiaries improved by 16%, with notable increases up to 36% for significant land claims. Psychologically, the settlement of restitution claims substantially reduced depression risks by 0.15 standard deviation scores, indicating a 15% decrease in trauma levels post-restitution.

Cognitive benefits were also observed, with performance on working memory tasks rising by 0.7 to 0.75 standard deviation among beneficiaries, suggesting that land restitution could reverse mental damage inflicted during the apartheid era. Socially, the ability to engage in cultural activities and connect with ancestors emerged as a pivotal advantage of the restitution program.

Minister Didiza welcomed these findings, emphasizing the study's role in advancing South Africa's journey toward restorative justice and addressing the global challenge of reparations for the dispossessed. The insights from this evaluation will guide the department in refining its approach to land restitution and tackling the underlying issues faced by beneficiaries, including the profound trauma of land dispossession victims. Didiza advocated for a new dialogue and strategies to facilitate healing among those affected by forced removals, marking a critical step towards reconciliation and healing in the nation's fabric.