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JOHANNESBURG. – The state should rather pursue and support voluntary schemes which could yield better results at a much lower cost for the land reform programme, Agri SA said yesterday.
In a statement, they re-iterated their opposition to the ANC’s “unworkable land reform proposals”.
“Agri SA welcomed yesterday’s (Tuesday) discussion forum with the ANC’s general secretary, Mr Gwede Mantashe, to reiterate and motivate its concerns regarding unworkable land reform proposals by government,” the statement read.
The organisation also requested that the state should rather pursue and support voluntary schemes which could yield better results at a much lower cost.
Agri SA Deputy President Dan Kriek, who represented Agri SA at the event, said Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Minister Gugile Nkwinti last year welcomed Agri SA’s framework-proposal, based on a supported market approach.
“Since then, Agri SA has been working closely on technical level with a governmental task team which advises government on the implementation of National Development Plan proposals, including that of rural development and land reform,” Kriek said.
“The announcements on limitations of landholdings and the 50/50 farm sharing proposals are in conflict with this, are confusing and undermine confidence.”
Kriek said commercial agriculture was willing to make substantive contributions to land reform, if based on a partnership approach with the state and supported by a financing mechanism which reduced risk and cost.
“Although, according to Mr Mantashe, consensus is not always attainable, dialogue should lead to outcomes which are more acceptable. He requested that the dialogue with Minister Nkwinti be continued, who he believes, will be willing to consider reasonable proposals.”
Earlier this year in his state of the nation address, President Jacob Zuma announced the proposal that local farmers’ land would be restricted to 12 000 hectares.
He also said government was exploring a 50/50 policy framework on rights for people who live and work on farms. – News24.
Online Reporter