Kandorozu: Namibia Land Resettlement Definition Must Be Clear

• Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu urged a clearer understanding of "resettlement" in Namibia's land reform policies.
• Kandorozu argued that true resettlement should prioritize individuals dispossessed of ancestral lands, distinguishing it from mere "settlement."
• He called for the Land Advisory Commission to investigate land waivers and prevent the eviction of generational farmworkers.
• The lawmaker highlighted concerns about large land allocations to individuals lacking farming experience.
• Kandorozu emphasized that land redistribution policies must serve the interests of Namibia's landless and displaced populations.

Authentic resettlement should primarily benefit individuals who have been dispossessed of their ancestral lands, particularly those displaced by historical injustices, including colonial-era policies.

During recent proceedings in Namibia's National Assembly, Vetaruhe Kandorozu, a parliamentarian from the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), emphasized the critical need for a precise understanding of the term "resettlement" within the nation's land reform policies. Kandorozu highlighted a prevalent misinterpretation of this key concept, arguing that such ambiguity could undermine the efficacy of ongoing land redistribution initiatives. His intervention came during a debate concerning the appointment of commissioners to the Land Advisory Commission, underscoring the significance of this definitional clarity for future land allocation decisions.

Kandorozu articulated that the prefix "re-" inherently denotes a return or a coming back to a previous state or location. Therefore, he contended, authentic resettlement should primarily benefit individuals who have been dispossessed of their ancestral lands, particularly those displaced by historical injustices, including colonial-era policies. He illustrated this point by stating that a person like Professor Job Amupanda, who had no prior residence in a place such as Okandjoze, would not qualify for resettlement there, as it would not constitute a return to a former dwelling. This distinction, he argued, is fundamental to ensuring that land programs are appropriately targeted.

The Nudo lawmaker stressed that the Land Advisory Commission must grasp this crucial differentiation between "resettlement" and mere "settlement" to make informed and equitable judgments regarding land allocation. He advocated for the creation of distinct programs: one specifically designed for those seeking to be settled on new land, and another for those who are genuinely being resettled to their historical territories. Mixing these two distinct objectives, Kandorozu warned, could dilute the impact of policies intended to address historical land dispossession.

This nuanced interpretation of the Namibia land resettlement definition Kandorozu presented suggests a re-evaluation of current land redistribution policy interpretation. It implies that eligibility for land should be tied more closely to historical ties and displacement, rather than simply landlessness. The Land Advisory Commission's role, therefore, becomes pivotal in upholding this distinction and ensuring that the spirit of land reform is maintained, prioritizing those who have suffered historical injustices.

Kandorozu also called upon the newly appointed commissioners to rigorously investigate the process of issuing land waivers, which he identified as a significant area of concern. He described a scenario where land surveyors identify farms, then connect with sellers and buyers. Subsequently, commissioners might declare a farm, where families have resided and farmed for a century, as unsuitable for resettlement, thereby creating an opportunity for a buyer to obtain a waiver. This practice, he implied, could circumvent the intended beneficiaries of land reform.

Furthermore, the parliamentarian urged the commission to ensure that generational farmworkers are not subjected to eviction as part of land reform initiatives. He questioned where these workers would go if dispossessed, advocating for their protection. Kandorozu proposed that the government should allocate units to these workers, integrating them into group resettlement programs to allow them to remain on their farms. This approach aims to prevent farmworker eviction Namibia land reform efforts might inadvertently cause, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not further marginalized.

The Nudo representative underscored that individuals who have been forcibly removed from their land must be the government's primary focus for land allocation, with any remaining land then distributed among the broader landless population. He emphasized that commissioners must be advocates for those who have lost land and are increasingly becoming landless, aligning with the core principles of Vetaruhe Kandorozu land reform Namibia seeks to achieve. This perspective highlights a pro-people approach, ensuring that the most vulnerable are prioritized in the redistribution process.

Kandorozu also advocated for enhanced collaboration between the Land Advisory Commission and regional governor's offices. The goal of this partnership would be to identify and encourage suitable farmers to apply for land, rather than continuing the practice of allocating vast farms, some exceeding 2,000 hectares, to individuals who possess neither livestock nor practical farming experience. He concluded by expressing his support for the motion and the new commissioners, asserting that their mandate is to serve the genuine interests of Namibia's landless and displaced citizens, thereby ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the nation's land redistribution policy.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising on land matters in Namibia should note the parliamentary call for a clearer legal distinction between 'resettlement' and 'settlement' within land reform policies. This debate could lead to revised criteria for land allocation, increased scrutiny of land waivers, and potential challenges to current practices, particularly concerning the rights of dispossessed communities and farmworkers. It signals a need to monitor evolving interpretations and enforcement of land laws.

Source: Original reporting via New Era.