The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms Phumuzile Ngwenya-Mabila acknowledges that 1 305 803 work opportunities and 391 194 full-time jobs were created by the department. The challenge of slow transformation in land reform is noted, however, the MPAT report that the department presented shows an improvement in their performance which is heartening.
She said since 1994 the department has shown slow progress in land transformation and the targets of 1 million ha of acquired land allocated to smallholder producers and the 200 000 ha of land allocated to people living and or working on farms may also not be met.
There are 133 778 new claims which have been lodged as of 25 February 2016. The concern of the Committee is the research capacity within the commission to fast-track the outstanding claims which were lodged before 1998. There has been good progress in the establishment of the land administration structures in line with the National Development Plan.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sureshinee Govender
Tel: 021 403 2289
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: sugovender@parliament.gov.za
