Promised Land

Historically, socially and personally, land is a controversial issue in Africa. Post-colonial nations have struggled with righting the ills of the past without upsetting agricultural security. Focussing on South Africa’s land reform, this fascinating and balanced documentary sheds new light on this ongoing and always complex issue. Simplifying the debate to personal impact, the camera focuses on the people on both sides of two radically disputed claims: the 9,000-member Mekgareng community in North West Province, and the descendants of Abram Molamu. The former are an impoverished community that is collectively seeking the return of 42,000 acres of rich farmland now in the hands of white farmers and developers; the latter is a middle-class, professional black family whose ancestor was ‘paid’ for the 3,800 acres now owned by four white farmers. Interviewing both claimants and stalwart ‘owners’, and exploring both the process and reasons for delays, Richen navigates the economic expectations and communal frustrations to deliver a complex, honest and subtle picture.