Parliament, Saturday, 31 October 2020 – The delegation of the Ad Hoc Committee to Initiate and Introduce Legislation Amending Section 25 of the Constitution today heard from Worcester residents that expropriation of land without compensation is crucial for decolonisation of the South African society.
The delegation which conducted public hearings in Mossel Bay yesterday, concluded the Western Cape leg of the hearings in Zweletemba in Worcester today. The committee Chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga, emphasized that the committee’s mandate is to consider the form and content should the amendment take in the Constitution. He urged participants to stick within the mandate that was explained to them.
Participants called for the wording of the amendment to include that the state must be the custodian of all the South African natural resources that include the land, mineral resources and water, and they reiterated their call for the expropriation of land without compensation.
Among the participants, some said they want implementation now instead of the explanation of the difference between the current mandate of the committee and the previous one. They said it is time for action now as South Africans cannot wait any longer.
Participants from the Khoisan communities said land expropriation without compensation should commence in the Western Cape as the “first nation” was suffering and living in horrible conditions on farms. Furthermore, they raised concerns about the 1913 cut-off date for land claims and restitution as that, according to them, would exclude many Khoisan claims as their land was before that date.
Dr Motshekga emphasized that all the views, irrespective of how much or little support a view has,
will be taken into account when political parties deliberate on the matter in Parliament. He told participants that a constitutional amendment requires a two thirds majority to be passed and that needs support of more than one political party.
The committee expects to meet next week to discuss a way forward regarding its programme.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE 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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