Committee wants answers from key stakeholders regarding outstanding land claims
The Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform has demanded answers on the absence of key stakeholders to answer and explain any developments and challenges on the restitution of Riemvasmaak Community Development Trust, Spangenberg and Kanonieland during an oversight visit in the Northern Cape.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Phumzile Ngwenya-Mabila, was concerned that the Administrator appointed by the Master of the Northern Cape Division of the High Court to administer the affairs of the Riemvasmaak Community Development Trust was not part of the meeting. The absence of the Administrator, coupled with continuous failure to give reports to Riemvasmaak community, has fuelled suspicions with this community.
Riemvasmaak is one of the first communities to receive land restoration through government’s programme of land restitution in 1995. “You should proud yourself for being the first restitution project signed by father of our Nation, President Nelson Mandela. You should defend his legacy jealously and not be destroyed by elements that are a destructive force for the love of money,” said Ms Ngwenya-Mabila.
Community members and farmworkers turned out in their numbers at the public meeting to listen to Riemvasmaak community’s perspectives on the development of the land and how government had assisted them. Community members thanked government for giving their land back, but they also voiced their discontent about the Administrator’s perceived lack of accountability.
They called on Parliament to assist resolve the existing impasse. Among other community’s concerns was lack of financial statements on lease fees paid by Bona-Safe, poor housing and sanitation on farms, lack of progress regarding repatriation of claimants in Namibia. The Administrator is central to the Trust and regrettably there is no communication between him and members of community.
With regard to mentorship of farmers under the Recapitalisation and Development Programme, the Committee was pleased with development on Spangenberg and Kanonieland farms. The Chairperson encouraged the farmers to include women when they hire farmworkers. The Committee promised to put together a report for Parliament on all issues raised and monitor developments.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mzingezwi Obert Plum
Cell: 076 905 4693
Tel: 021 403 2201
E-mail: oplum@parliament.gov.za
