Urban Land Release and Acquisition Strategies for Municipalities
National research for SALGA on urban land release and acquisition strategies, giving municipalities practical tools to drive spatial transformation and inclusive economic growth.
2019 · South African Local Government Association (SALGA) · Land governance research and policy · 12 months duration
Key contributors: Dylan La Loux
Following a resolution at its 2016 National Conference, SALGA commissioned this research project to develop strategies municipalities can adopt in their land administration, management and governance processes. The premise: despite service delivery gains since 1994, poor urban communities remain structurally excluded from urban land markets, and the State has not fully leveraged its strategically located land.
The final report comprises four elements: a legal analysis of legislation governing municipal land release and acquisition, including the Constitution, the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Government Immovable Asset Management Act; a review of practices in municipalities, State departments and State-owned entities; a comparative analysis of African and international case studies; and proposals to inform SALGA's lobbying agenda.
The proposals cover intergovernmental relations, the use of expropriation, meaningful negotiation of land transfers, and proactive municipal land management. A key milestone was a MinMec resolution securing SALGA's participation in national land reform governance structures.
Key figures: National policy scope | 4 major report elements | 12-month research programme