TAU SA demands land audit before land claims reopening

Utmost dissatisfaction was expressed about the uncertainty of the land audit, especially with regard to state-owned land during TAU SA's General Council meeting in Pretoria .

Recent figures which were released by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti in parliament were contradictory to figures previously announced. According to Nkwinti's latest figures the State owns less land than what was previously estimated. The previous figures were released after a land audit had been done on state-owned land.

"These figures are not aligned, while property registrations of agricultural land indicates that it seems that land is registered in the name of the Republic of South Africa almost on a weekly basis," said TAU SA's president, Mr. Louis Meintjes.

"It is clear to TAU SA that the audit seems to be totally unreliable. The process was not transparent and therefore no value could be attached to the audit," said Mr Meintjes.

Several years ago the CEO Forum took the initiative to launch a land audit. A comprehensive model was prepared and successful trials were done to produce a transparent, reliable and above all credible land audit. However, the process came to a halt because the state refused to fund it.

TAU SA's General Council stated clearly that government needs to make funds available for the land audit to be completed so that the uncertainty about ownership of land could for once and for all can be clarified. "Before reopening the land claims process this land audit should be completed," was TAU SA's General Council's recommendation.

TAU SA also wants to know the monetary value which claimants received in cash and an indication how many hectares this represents.

Statement issued by TAU SA president, Mr. Louis Meintjes, July 18 2013

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