ANC using land issue as a vote-catching ploy

The party ‘inherited’ this land when it took over

THERE can be no doubt that land redistribution is critical to the country, but, instead of being handled sensibly, the ANC seems to be using it as a vote-catching ploy which must inevitably have adverse affects.

It has promoted the concept that the land was “stolen” by the white colonialists, which has worsened the racial divide.

But, if this were fact, the vast tracts of state-owned land must also have been “stolen”!

The ANC “inherited” this land when it took over the government, so surely, if it honestly believes its own propaganda, it should first ensure that it returns the stolen property in its possession to the rightful owners.

There have recently been numerous attempted land invasions by thousands who have been led to believe that they have legitimate claims to get back the land stolen from their people.

The ANC has stated that it has identified 139 farms earmarked for expropriation without compensation, but how can anyone with a single brain cell not expect that thousands more people will not invade land that has been “reclaimed” for them?

After all, the land “belongs” to the black people and they now all want their share.

Of course, mass invasions will destroy any prospects of agricultural production.

But, if the ANC does manage to stave off invasions, the major question is: who, out of millions of claimants, will be the lucky 139 recipients of the farms?

If each farm is portioned off into, say 10 smaller plots, there will still only be 1 390 new farmers. That is not even a drop in the ocean of expectations.

The major issue is that, regardless of how it allocates land, from any source, there will be dissatisfaction and resentment because 50 million blacks have been led to believe that they will “get back” the stolen land and will each thus demand what they have been led to believe is their legitimate share.

Unfortunately, it has been proved that lack of delivery leads to violent protests, so the ill thought out votecatching ploy of the ANC will ignite a powder keg.

The situation could still be rescued if only the government would stop infighting for positions. Make it clear to the people that it does not produce wealth and that its only source of revenue is from taxes and duties.

Simply put, the government cannot give anything to someone without taking from others first.

The adage that “you do not make the poor rich by making the rich poor” applies.

The best solution would be to create a much larger base of taxpayers through more employment. This, of course, will need huge investment, but nobody with sense will invest in a country where their property can be expropriated, nor where there is massive social unrest and violent protests.