The Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform is creating an explosive situation.

Mr Ben Marais, President of TAU SA, reacted on Min Ntikwini's warning of a Zimbabwean situation if farmers do not co-operate tt the land reform process.  He said Nkwinti's statements are irresponsible (see report).

"The recently publicised report of the Independent Complaints Directorate has proven beyond doubt that a comparison can be draw between politicians who order the police to shoot to kill, and the actual killings by police.  We also do not doubt on the comparison between Julius Malema singing "Shoot the boere" and the increase in farm attacks.

"We see Min. Nkwinti's remarks as an ill camouflaged threat to farmers that their land can be occupied the Zimbabwe way if they are not prepared to give their land away.  TAU SA regards this as a subtle given command to militants to occupy land to intimidate farmers," says Mr Marais.  "Nkwinti even gives them the right reason, by saying that they don not have patience to wait any longer.  These remarks can be seen in the same category as Julius Malema's inciting remarks.

"Why would government like to have more land anyway?" Mr Marais asks.  "They had to admit several times the most of the land reform projects, have failed totally.  By grabbing land in the Zimbabwe way, will also lead to farms going unproductive, and food security will be threatened," said Mr Marais.

Due to the loaded situation in the country, no statements like these are permissible and TAU SA demands an excuse from the minister, or that he be repudiated by the President.

Statement issued by TAU SA, March 30 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter