Parliament, Friday, 6 March February 2020 – A delegation of the Ad Hoc Committee to Initiate and Introduce Legislation Amending Section 25 of the Constitution today commenced with the public hearings in the North West Province by listening to the people of Schweizer Reneke.

The overwhelming majority of the participants told the delegation of the committee clearly that the land should be in the custodianship of the state, and all the natural resources like minerals and water should also be under the same custodianship of the state.

The participants said the government and Parliament have a responsibility to address the imbalances of the past and redistribute all the state resources.

Some participants indicated that, as the land was forcefully taken from its rightful owners under the previous governments, public hearings and consultation on the matter of land redistribution are unnecessary.

They argued that they are living in small houses or sharing small pieces of land, they need their lad urgently. Many participants indicated that they want land for grazing of their livestock.

The delegation noted matters that were raised and that did not relate to the amendment of the Constitution, and will refer those matters to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform for its immediate attention.

Although some participants were in the minority, but they highlighted their opposition to the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution. Agri North West told the delegation that land expropriation had negative consequences in the past. They said people need ownership of houses rather than land.

The Red Meat Producers who also participated in the hearings, said property rights to emerging farmers should instead be strengthened and they should be given title deeds.

Committee Chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga, emphasised that the process is opened to all South Africans, irrespective of race. “The committee noted that various communities were represented at today’s hearings and had an opportunity to make oral submissions,” added Dr Motshekga.

The committee is encouraged by the participation of the Khoisan community and descendants of the traditional leader Taaibosch who was killed during the wars of resistance.

The hearings will continue tomorrow.

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

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Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
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E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za