THE debate on the expropriation bill has been overly focused on agriculture and market value, but has overlooked what the proposed legislation says about the rights of those living on land without recognition in urban areas and on traditional land, a panel discussion was told.Deputy Public Works Minister Jeremy Cronin, one of the champions of the bill which President Jacob Zuma has sent back to Parliament, said at the Oxfam roundtable that despite other concerns, the bill gave effect to rights such as equitable access and aimed to provide clarity on other legislation.The bill allows for the expropriation of property for a public purpose or in the public interest, and represents a move away from the "willing buyer, willing seller model". Critics say the bill is unconstitutional and have raised concerns about dispute resolution mechanisms for those affected by expropriation.The slow pace of land reform has been bemoaned by many, with the government having targeted redistribution of 30...
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