The parched landscape of Free State in South Africa has whirlwinds tossing huge spirals of dust into the sky. Usually January brings tremendous thunderstorms, with up to 90mm of rain falling on this traditional farming heartland of the country. But South Africa is experiencing the worst drought in recorded history. Small-scale farmers, who are mostly black, are worst affected; unable to plant crops, many are forced to kill or sell their livestock at below market value prices. Increased food prices, a stagnating economy and 25% unemployment have created a scenario for social unrest. Some commercial farmers fear that the country could see widespread social disturbances. They are concerned that the drought could precipitate land occupations similar to those in neighbouring Zimbabwe. Members of the ANC Youth League recently travelled to Zimbabwe to research Zimbabwe’s land reform programme. Four thousand white-owned farms have been occupied since the land grabs began in Zimbabwe fifteen years ago.