NNP gets tough on land reform

2003-07-01 13:40

Cape Town - Land reform in South Africa will fail dismally if sustainable development principles are not applied, said the New National Party on Tuesday.

NNP MP Adriaan van Jaarsveld said the widespread famine in Zimbabwe should serve as a warning of what could happen when land was expropriated without prospective farmers knowing how to put it to sustainable use.

"Of course, the injustices of the past have to be put right, but it is of no use to give someone a farm without providing him with the knowledge and expertise to farm properly," he said.

The NNP appealed to Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza to give priority to this aspect of land reform.

'Injustices of the past'

"Without the knowledge and expertise, the agricultural industry in South Africa will go under, and land reform will definitely also be doomed to failure.

"It is also important to assist emergent farmers in the financial management of their farms.

"Land reform will not put right any injustices of the past if farms are handed out, but are again put up for sale after three years because the owners could not manage them properly."

The NNP had noted the view of chief land claims commissioner Tozi Gwanya "that land reform should not be done for sustainable development purposes, but to put right the injustices of the past".

"Unfortunately, land reform will fail dismally if sustainable development is not given due consideration," said Van Jaarsveld.

- SAPA