Commercial Farmers Proposing Models to Implement Land Reform

Deputy President David Mabuza says as government pursues inclusive land reform, commercial farmers have already come forward with proposed models of how the programme can be implemented successfully.He also said that one-stop service platforms will go a long way to ensure that commercial farmers receive their much needed support "promptly and efficiently".

Mabuza was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday. "Successful and progressive commercial farmers have already come forward to present various models of how we can deepen transformation as well as the provision of mentorship in the agricultural sector.

In short, our commercial farmers have made themselves available to support emerging farmers," he said. He said this was an indication that the land reform programme was gaining traction and that South Africans were willing to work together to ensure that the programme is implemented successfully.

He said this as Parliament is also ceased with a process of finalising a bill that will make it possible to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to pave the way for the expropriation of land without compensation. Addressing members of Parliament on Tuesday, he said that government has expressed, on a number of occasions that it is committed to undertaking land reform in an orderly manner, a manner that will respect and uphold the constitution and ensure that the administrative action that is taken is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.

One-stop platforms to assist emerging farmers The Deputy President said, meanwhile, that government is focussing on enhanced institutional coordination to ensure responsiveness to service delivery and support to farmers at local level. "One-stop service platforms are necessary to provide the necessary comprehensive suite of farmer support services and ensure that resources that are earmarked for farmers reach farmers promptly and efficiently.

"This will foster integration and alignment in project execution, delivery of infrastructure mechanisation and funding support for farmers," he said. Land reform programme to address past injustices Mabuza said pursuing the land reform programme is equivalent to pursuing justice for all, especially for those people who were dispossessed of their land.

He said this speaks to the national...