Tenancy and Black Freehold: Dimensions of History and Authority in Natal

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Tenancy and Black Freehold: Dimensions of History and Authority in Natal
Authors:	Cross, Catherine R. Preston-Whyte, Eleanor M.
Year:	1989
Periodical:	Africa Insight
Volume:	19
Issue:	3
Pages:	160-173
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	tenancy rental housing rent Urbanization and Migration Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Law, Human Rights and Violence Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	Focussing on black/black residential tenancy on black freehold land in Natal, South Africa, this article examines some of the historical data on landlord-tenant relations and relates this material to the prevailing expectations held under different settlement systems. Looking at two case studies of tenancy systems under severe stress - Roosboom at the time the community was removed and Inanda during the violent disorders of 1985 - the article shows that black freehold rent tenancies do not resemble the traditional rural neighbourhood. By paying rent, the tenant never obtains the rights he should have obtained in a rural settlement structure, where land is granted. The modern landlord-tenant relation is rooted in private self-interest, the landlord's position not being dependent on the tenants' support. All these contradictions emerge as possible contributory causes of the 1985 unrest in Durban's shack communities. Notes, ref.