Expropriation Bill may be ditched

2008-08-15 08:20

Abigail Isaacs, Philda Essop and Pieter du Toit

Cape Town - The controversial Expropriation Bill is likely to be withdrawn.

On Thursday, everything was pointing to the likelihood that the bill was on the verge of being withdrawn from the legislative process.

It appears that dissatisfaction with the bill in the Public Works portfolio committee - among other things because it could adversely affect a possible government under Jacob Zuma, and also because of opposition from Public Works Minister Thoko Didiza - could lead to the provisional ditching of the bill.

Parliament on Thursday sent out a notice regarding the status of all pieces of legislation in the current Parliamentary cycle, in which it was stated that the Expropriation Bill may be withdrawn.

According to information received, Didiza indicated during Monday's meeting of the presidential working group on agriculture that "the bill in its present form" could not be passed by Parliament.

Constitutionality

Thandi Tobias-Pokolo, chair of the public works committee, said they were awaiting a report from state legal advisers on the constitutionality of the legislation.

"I cannot, therefore, comment on whether the bill will be withdrawn or not," she said.

It appears that negotiations are currently taking place between Didiza and the committee on whether the processing of the legislation should go ahead or not.

Some ANC MPs believe the bill emanates from President Thabo Mbeki and that its enactment could undermine a Zuma government.

Moreover, the fact that it has had the effect of uniting opposition parties in one camp with civil society groups, has also been presented as a reason why it is likely to be withdrawn.

MPs have also indicated that organised agriculture no longer has to "trouble its head over it".

The submission of an amended bill after the election next year has, however, not been excluded.

Public interest, submissions

Dave Steward, head of the FW de Klerk Foundation and a member of an ad hoc committee on the legislation, confirmed that rumours are circulating about the end of the bill.

"I believe public interest and the volume of submissions have played a part.

"We are naturally excited about the possibility, but will have to keep a close eye on developments, especially because the bill could be submitted in a revised form."

Both Kallie Kriel of Afriforum and Bennie van Zyl of TLU-SA say the government has no other option but to withdraw the bill.

"We welcome the possibility. It is clear proof of the power of civil society if people stand together," Kriel said.

Van Zyl said any changes to the proposed bill had to be substantive.

"The bill is currently shortsighted and irresponsible. It puts our country's future at stake.

"Agriculture is about production and for that we need investment in property and land. Without it, production is threatened and we will sacrifice food security," he said.

- Beeld