Purpose: Over the past two decades, rural areas in South Africa have experienced substantial economic growth and a rapid increase in the middle-income population group, resulting in a commensurate increase in consumer spending. In response to this shift, commercial developments in these previously untapped markets have come under increasing scrutiny by developers. However, development in these areas is hampered by the intricacies of the communal land tenure system of ownership prevalent in many rural areas and the concomitant lack of clear procedural requirements for approval of developments. The study endeavoured to identify the challenges which property developers experience when acquiring tribal land for commercial use.

Methodology: The research implemented a mixed research strategy of a desktop review supplemented by in-depth semi-structured interviews with property developers who have successfully acquired tribal land in the Giyani area of the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Findings: The study highlighted challenges procedural challenges, challenges arising from stakeholder engagements and other general challenges. Although the South African government makes provision for land under tribal administration in the legislative and policy environment, the lack of tribal authorities, municipality and other government stakeholders to coherently facilitate the land acquisition process fostered a lack of accountability. The process of land acquisition of tribal land was found to be lengthy and complex. In addition, challenges regarding the lack of services and infrastructure were highlighted.

Value: Addressing the identified problems will facilitate development in tribal areas in South Africa and contribute to a more sustainable process for development in these areas.