Balancing act of redress and food security

THE EXPROPRIATION of land without compensation will only be finalised after the national general elections but it will remain a hot button issue as millions of South Africans cast their ballots.

Despite attempts for the amendment to be completed before the end of the current parliamentary term, it appeared evident from as early as the latter part of last year that amending what is known as the property clause in the Constitution could not be fasttracked.

It remains a crucial issue for South Africans, offering hope for millions that they can have access to land to live on or for agricultural purposes.

Even when the sixth Parliament sits after the elections, there is no guarantee this contentious issue will be resolved speedily.

Nonetheless, the issue of land restitution in a country where the majority of arable land is owned by the minority needs to be addressed.

Ignoring such an issue would only create a bigger problem in the future.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the issue by saying the government would forge ahead with the policy of expropriating land without compensation, but said that wholesale expropriation and illegal land grabs would not be allowed.

The land question must always be balanced with ensuring food security and the growth of the economy.