Land reform balance is crucial

LAND reform tension will persist until a just and equitable solution is achieved.

Historically, apartheid disadvantaged the majority and benefited the white minority, which resulted in disproportionate land ownership.

The pressure to fast-track redistribution has built up since 1994. The government is authorised, in terms of the constitution, to expropriate land or rights to land from anyone. The conundrum the courts now face is the payment of compensation.

Expropriation is not simply about redress for the past. Certainly, such redress has to be achieved to allay potential civil disobedience or anarchy as tensions among the landless rise and, of course, to truly correct a horrendous violation.

While apartheid beneficiaries to this day enjoy a privilege of the past, the expropriation should not be viewed solely to now disenfranchise them in terms of land rights.

Compensation becomes a crucial factor – even if we are to look at the willing buyer, willing seller proviso.

Market-based remuneration for land expropriated has to be seriously considered, but does the government have the funding to enable mass expropriation?

To compound this, much of the land has been developed, either in terms of farms or infrastructure, despite the historical perspective.

To take over such land without due consideration for the development or continuance would be an economic disaster.

In the interests of the country, a balance has to be struck to ensure stability.

Zimbabwe is a classic example of how not to expropriate, and with Julius Malema of the EFF paying scant regard to the realities of our time by inciting a land grab with no compensation, we could well face a cauldron of resistance.

Foreign investors, upon whose patronage a great deal of our economy rests, must not be motivated to withdraw their investment.

Not only will unemployment increase, but a decline in general economic growth will be the ultimate outcome.

One aspect that does worry me is this: the greatest number of landless citizens are mainly our black compatriots.

The choice of land, or location, can become a hot potato if people believe they are being put in an unfair position compared to others – that would open another can of worms.

Our constitution has to be reviewed so that clear, unambiguous and concise procedures and processes are put in place so that a gradual but fair process of expropriation is implemented.

It would be a disaster if the attendant discrepancies and anomalies in implementing a “just and equitable” means of land redistribution were not confronted post-haste as the undercurrent of widespread restlessness could lead to a very unfortunate situation.

NARENDH GANESH Durban North

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