Sisulu hails Aussie about-turn on land issue
INTERNATIONAL Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has welcomed the retraction of controversial Australian comments regarding the South African land redistribution process.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries when he told the media he believed white South African farmers deserved special attention because they faced violence and land seizures.
He said white farmers needed protection from a civilised country like Australia and that the country should fast-track visas for them. The South African government responded by issuing a diplomatic demarche to the Australian High Commissioner in South Africa‚ Adam McCarthy‚ demanding the retraction of Dutton’s comments.
Sisulu said yesterday she welcomed the retraction by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
“We welcome the assurance by the Australian government as reported in the media that the comments made by their Home Affairs Minister are not in line with Australian immigration policy,” she said.
“We also welcome Australia’s condemnation of the unfortunate comments by South African and other international organisations and leaders.
“We must emphasise‚ as we have stated before‚ that no one is being persecuted in South Africa‚ including white farmers.
“We call upon all non-governmental organisations to desist from spreading untruths and misleading information.”
Sisulu said South Africa was a law-abiding country and‚ through a constitutional process‚ would arrive at solutions on land redistribution that would take the country forward without violating anyone’s rights.
“South African diplomatic channels are always open to those who may wish to seek clarity on our country’s policy positions‚” she said.