Land stolen during apartheid must be returned, thoughtfully and wisely

OBVIOUSLY land stolen during colonialism and apartheid must be returned to its rightful successors.

The problem is that media reports infer that livestock bought with taxpayers’ money for poor black farmers were stolen by rich black politician and others.

That former president Zuma, some councillors and royals benefited is a danger.

Since this blatant theft has been ignored, caution is required.

Example: what if land expropriated from food producing white farmers is not given to landless productive black farmers but instead given to the black elite like in Zimbabwe, etc?

What safeguards do we have that productive land will not become derelict causing an increase in food prices?

A legal process must confirm that expropriated land will only be granted to landless black and brown farmers who will produce food.

If politicians, etc, can steal livestock, they can also steal land.

Already we witness the ongoing corruption and stupidity at Eskom, SAA and other state enterprises.

Why would land expropriation remain free of corruption?

There is no benefit for the poor or anyone else when politicians remove a productive farmer.

Similarly, last year, Post Office leaders told us they could manage the social grant payments.

Recent media reports suggested that the Post Office is on the wedge of collapse after a workers strike.

What kind of leaders give guarantees they cannot fulfil?

There is also partial value in getting too excited about restitution when the same politicians cannot return District 6, a few hectares of land, to its rightful owners, 24 years into democracy.

Research suggests that in a few years, most humans will live in cities. Food will matter.

Most intelligent citizens desire a just resolve to land restoration… ironically nobody wants to pay increased food prices.

Genuine justice requires wisdom, not a chance to gain votes. CLLR YAGYAH ADAMS Cape Muslim Congress