Minister Nathi Mthethwa withdraws statements made in response to reported misgivings on South Africa’s Land Expropriation Bill
In March this year Minister Nathi Mthethwa read media reports on online platforms with statements that the government of Britain had expressed reservations about South Africa’s intention to expropriate land without compensation.
On “Human Rights Day” at the official occasion to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, Minister Mthethwa repudiated this alleged stance of the British government, asserting South Africa’s inalienable right to self-determination as a sovereign state.
In light of official communication that the British government does not hold the views reported and that the reportage of these statements is “fake news”- Minister Mthethwa wishes to unreservedly withdraw the statements he made in his response.
“It has now been officially communicated to me that the reported allegation is in fact “fake news”, and that the British government has not expressed any misgivings in respect of South Africa’s stance on the expropriation of land without compensation. Accordingly, I hereby revoke and recant the assertions made in this regard, in full recognition and appreciation of the excellent relations and deep bonds of friendship that exist between Britain and our republic.”
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