Black church buildings that are still on white churches' land: a land restitution perspective

Abstract

This article consists of five parts. Firstly, what restitution means in the South African context is traced briefly. Secondly, the historical background on land possession by whites and dispossession of blacks in South Africa is highlighted. Thirdly, the legal aspect of land occupation by blacks in South Africa is discussed, with special reference to black church buildings that are on white church land. Finally, there is discussion on how land restitution can apply to black churches that are on white land. A case is made for land restitution within the context of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA’s) struggle to have the property registered in the names of the congregations, and the dispossession of church buildings owned by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Africa, based on title deeds in the name of the DRC. This article is based on qualitative research conducted by the author from URCSA on land issues. The author uses observations, interviews and document analysis. This article argues from the land restitution perspective.