Case Studies
Leap has always worked in an action-research mode, thus has worked in the field, with communities and NGOs, seeking to help people solve problems they feel, while also learning and refining our concepts and methods.
Imithetho yomhlaba yase Msinga (Land Laws of Msinga Project) examining traditional practices and rural development in Weenen/Msinga area
Duration of project: January 2007 - December 2009
The project aims to investigate the laws around land and natural resources and the distinction between local law and practice and national laws around land and local authority, both of which are in the process of change. The project aims to provide insight into local practices derived from customary systems of land tenure in a context where traditional social values are still very active, albeit under pressure to change.
Developing community based governance of wetlands in Craigieburn Village.
Duration of project: 2006 - 2010
The key focus of the project was to strengthening governance for sustainable wetland use, through exploring and testing with one community in Bushbuckridge, Craigieburn.
Evaluating aspects of the deeds registration system in the context of two titled communities (urban and rural) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Duration of project: Mid 2008 - Mid 2009
The project builds on aspects of existing research (for academic purposes) on land administration and family property in Fingo Village and Rabula. The research has found evidence of surviving customary practices in communities where freehold title was introduced a hundred and fifty years ago, shedding valuable insight into local practices and understandings of land ownership in situations where titling is introduced.
GOOD, BAD, UGLY? The case of a building in inner City Johannesburg
Duration of project:
The project aims to propose appropriate and affordable land tenure arrangements and formal housing options for the poor in the inner city of Johannesburg in the context of evictions and urban regeneration.
MUDEN VALLEY LIVELIHOODS PROJECT
Duration of project:
The project aims to strengthen the prospects for development on 15 farms that were transferred to land redistribution beneficiaries in the Muden area of KwaZulu-Natal. The project aims to identify land tenure interventions that will improve livelihoods on these farms. The impact of inappropriate tenure arrangements on sustainable livelihoods and access to services will be critically evaluated.