Ben Cousins

Prof Ben Cousins' research is strategic and use-oriented, for policy-makers and civil society groups concerned with reducing poverty and inequality through redistributing assets, securing rights and democratising decision-making in rural areas.

Study shows land redistribution can create new jobs in agriculture in South Africa

National Ben Cousins - 8 Jun 2020

When South Africa eventually emerges from the fog of the Covid-19 crisis, will policy makers be ready to grasp the nettle of farm scale, and promote the large-scale redistribution of land to small-scale producers?

Small-scale farmers should be at the centre of land reform in South Africa

Article Ben Cousins - 18 Apr 2018

South Africa's land reform programme will fail if it continues to neglect smallholder farming

South Africa’s land debate is clouded by misrepresentation and lack of data

Article Ben Cousins - 12 Mar 2018

South Africa's land policy is flailing around in the dark, with the haziest of understandings of how well or how badly land reform is doing

South Africa is still way behind the curve on transforming land ownership

Article Ben Cousins & Ruth Hall - 14 Nov 2017

There is very little clarity as to who owns what land in South Africa. A lack of reliable data and statistics doesn't help.

ANC land policies: Talk left, walk right?

Analysis Ben Cousins & Ruth Hall - 23 Jan 2014

It's good election rhetoric but the main problems dogging farm redistribution are not being addressed, say Ben Cousins and Ruth Hall.

Farming problems are clear but the solutions are not

Analysis Ben Cousins & Ruth Hall - 14 Jun 2013

Can we create one million new jobs in agriculture as envisaged by the National Development Plan (NDP)? If so, how?

Land redistribution needs political will

Article Ben Cousins - 28 Jun 2012

As the ANC meets to discuss its most important policies, land remains one of the hottest issues, writes Ben Cousins.

Time to ditch the ‘disaster’ scenarios

Analysis Ben Cousins - 20 May 2010

“Total failure” is an inaccurate way to describe Zimbabwe's farming sector, despite its problems following land reform.

Press Releases

Special Reports

WiMSA shines a light on the future of women in mining

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Men in mining must begin to take it upon themselves to support the development of women in the industry

Special Reports

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure reveals second gender-based violence advocacy artwork

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

The men and boys of South Africa are important role players in this mission to ensure that women are respected, protected and treated equally

Special Reports

Empowering the voice of women in leadership to enable full participation in their roles in leadership and decision making

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Sibanye-Stillwater has 13% female representation in its workforce and is actively working to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Special Reports

Surviving the tobacco ban

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Nicotine is given as the ‘likely’ reason for lower Covid-19 infection rates but authorities still stress the health risk of smoking

Special Reports

Smokers hold thumbs for cigarette ban to be lifted

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

SATTA is worried about the impact of the ban on its own members activities and how the ban is helping black marketeers to make millions of rands illegally

Special Reports

Covid-19: Outlook on the economy, politics and labour

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

Old Mutual had experts unpack the effects of the pandemic and provide practical tips on how to deal with the financial impact of job losses and salary cuts

Special Reports

Opt-in to Popia

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

All business owners should take note: there is a lot of work ahead to ensure compliance with the POPI Act that has just come into effect

Special Reports

Capital Legacy talks life

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is revealing how few people actually sort their affairs to the benefit of their loved ones they leave behind when they pass on