TAU SA against extension of land claims

TAU SA strongly rejects the idea of another 5 year extension of land claims, as has being indicated by the acting national land commissioner, Blessing Mphela [see article].

Mr Paul van der Walt, President of TAU SA, says farmers have been living in uncertainty for the past 9 years.  Many farmers still are not even aware of any claims on their land.  This process had to be finished three years ago, and even with the extension that had been granted, the Department of Land Affairs could not complete theprocess.

"A total of 79 000 land claims have been registered, of which 74 800 have been completed.  This means that 8 311 claims have been dealt with annually, which means 693 per month.  At present only 4 949 land claims are left to be dealt with.  If another 5 years is required, this means that only 990 claims will be handled annually.  Why has the tempo dropped so dramatically, while the outstanding claims can be finished in nearly six month's time?" Mr van der Walt asks.

"TAU SA insists that the cut-off time of the end of this year will be respected.  Farmers cannot live any longer under these uncertain circumstances. The process is having a paralysing effect on agriculture, especially in a time when the debate regarding to food security is very relevant," said Mr van der Walt.  "The whole process of land claims lacks credibility, and an extension, can open the door for corruption."

The amount of R18 billion needed to finalize the outstanding claims seems to be unrealistically high and unacceptable in the current economic climate.

Statement issued by the TAU SA July 30 2008