12 August 2010

The IFP contends that South Africa's land reform process is in crisis following startling revelations from Mr Sibusiso Gamede, the Acting Chief Land Claims Commissioner, at Parliament yesterday.

At the meeting of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mr Narend Singh MP, the IFP's representative on the Committee, questioned Mr Gamede on the progress of restitution of land.

"I was horrified to hear that the Land Claims Commission had signed sales agreements committing Government to purchasing land for restitution purposes to the amount of R7.5 billion which has now skyrocketed to R12 billion. In addition, government has been forced, through court orders, to pay out R500 million to land owners. What is even more alarming is that government allegedly does not have the money to pay these exorbitant bills," said Singh. 

Singh said that he had information that 4000 claims, which were lodged as far back as the 31st of December 1998, still needed to be researched, considered and Gazetted.  

Singh said: "The Committee asked for the quantification of how much it will cost Government to finalise these 4000 claims should the State be liable to pay for this land. We are awaiting the Commission's feedback but I am sure that it will amount to billions." 

"All indication, in my opinion, is that South Africa's land reform process is a ticking time bomb for the national fiscus. More importantly, the uncertainty creates unnecessary anguish, tension and huge financial losses for both land owners and prospective claimants, which poses a serious risk for South Africa's national security. The failure to deal with land reform effectively will also have a devastating impact on food production and security in future," added Singh.