The Black Land Act

The Black Land Act, enacted in South Africa in 1913, was a law that restricted land ownership for black Africans. It allowed only a small portion of land to be legally owned by black South Africans, pushing them into overcrowded areas known as "homelands" or "reserves." This legislation aimed to control black people's economic opportunities and reinforce racial segregation, laying the groundwork for future apartheid policies. The act severely limited land rights, contributing to longstanding social and economic inequalities that have affected generations. It is a significant marker in the history of racial discrimination in South Africa.