SA not going the Zim way
2003-09-08 23:07
Johannesburg - South Africa's land reform process "is not heading along the same route as that of Zimbabwe".
This was the statement of Tozi Gwanya, chief land claims commissioner, after he warned white farmers about a month ago to change their attitude to land reform to "prevent a second Zimbabwe".
"I did not mean that this country's land reform in future would be the same as in Zimbabwe. It is something totally different," Gwanya said.
Political parties and agriculture organisations sharply criticised his earlier statement in Johannesburg during a discussion on land reform. He said it was the fault of white farmers in Zimbabwe "that their land reform process failed".
He said white farmers in Zimbabwe have had a negative attitude towards land reform for the past 20 years. "Now they want to talk, but it is too late. We can prevent a similar situation if farmers co-operate."
Gwanya said the land claims commission was concerned because TAU SA was opposed to land reform.
TAU SA said during the recent public hearings in parliament on the planned Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act that it was opposed to land reform "as it is currently structured".
Peet Grobbelaar, legal representative of TAU SA, said they were not opposed to land reform "when it is done correctly".
TLU SA is opposing the amendment act. Under the new legislation, Thoko Didiza, as minister of agriculture and land affairs, would be able to expropriate land without a court order.
Gwanya said that under current legislation, land could not be expropriated without a court order. The landowner and claimants must agree on the planned expropriation. "Under the amendment, land could be expropriated without a court order, but dissatisfied landowners could still turn to the court."
He said the land claims commission had enough money to conclude restitution claims. "Another 150 people were appointed with the latest budget to assist. We are hopeful that the process will be concluded by 2005."