Parliament, Monday, 16 March 2020 – The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee to Initiate and Introduce Legislation Amending Section 25 of the Constitution, which would allow for the expropriation of land without compensation, today resolved to postpone all committee activities, including the committee’s public hearings.
Committee Chairperson Dr Mathole Motshekga said that taking into consideration the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night declaring a national disaster, “it is in the interest of all South Africans to postpone the hearings until further notice”. The announcement included a prohibition of non-essential gatherings of 100 people or more.
“Up to now, we have seen hundreds of people attending each session at the public hearings. It is clear the need for land is urgent and huge crowds attend. In light of this, we are mindful not to expose more South Africans to COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus,” Dr Motshekga said.
The committee was due to hold public hearings at Parliament from tomorrow. It has already held hearings in the Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
Dr Motshekga said the committee will keep the public informed as to when the public hearings will resume.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF AD HOC COMMITTEE TO INITIATE AND INTRODUCE LEGISLATION AMENDING SECTION 25 OF THE CONSTITUTION, DR MATHOLE MOTSHEKGA
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
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