Getting land back is seen as a vital step to regaining independence

In some provinces, that figure may rise to as much as 50%, according to chief lands claim commissioner Tozi Gwanya.

Where owners refuse to sell, a new law will allow the government to move in.

But South Africa has said it will ensure that the redistribution of land does not lead to the problems seen in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Rapid progress

Speaking in an interview with the Reuters news agency, Mr Gwanya said recent press reports that almost three-quarters of farmland in some areas was subject to land claims were exaggerated.

While it would be close to 50% in provinces including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, nationally the average would be much lower, he said.

Out of a total 70,000 claims for confiscated land, about 45,000 have been settled so far with the rest expected to be finished by the end of 2005.

A separate programme aims to have 30% of all farmland back with its previous owners by 2015.

Avoiding trouble

Land rights is a contentious issue across Africa.

In Zimbabwe, the process brought international condemnation and resulted in the forced seizure of land and the death of a number of white farmers.

Mr Gwanya said he expects that South Africa's new land law, which allows the state to force farmers to sell their property, will be used in only 5-10% of outstanding claims.