South Africa is on the brink of a historic shift in land reform, with the upcoming Equitable Access to Land Bill expected to be released for public comment next year. For the first time in 30 years, this new legislation aims to directly fulfill the constitutional right to fair land distribution. To ensure the law truly serves the people, a powerful coalition of over 40 civil society organizations and social movements recently gathered in Cape Town to co-create 13 essential priorities for the Bill.

This united front is demanding that the government prioritize the needs of landless and impoverished communities, women, and marginalized groups over corporate profits. Their blueprint calls for transparent land allocation, secure tenure, and a sharp focus on well-located land to undo the painful legacy of spatial apartheid. Activists are now urging communities across South Africa to rally behind these priorities and use their collective voice to shape a just, equitable future for land ownership.