SECURITY OF TENURE
Bill protects farm dwellers but ‘may raise social tension’
The bill seeks to prevent evictions and to create stability in farming communities
The Office of the Public Protector and the Human Rights Commission, two of the country’s most prominent chapter nine institutions, have backed the Extension of Security of Tenure Amendment Bill, saying it will protect farm dwellers and workers’ rights.The bill seeks to prevent evictions and to create stability in farming communities.In 2011, Parliament heard that just more than 1-million farm workers and dwellers had been evicted or displaced between 1994 and 2004.In their submission to Parliament’s rural development and land reform portfolio committee on Tuesday, officials from the Office of the Public Protector said the bill would contribute to protecting farm dwellers and workers’ rights. However, they expressed concern that the legal paradigm was adversarial and could undermine social relations, a crucial element in the sustainable resolution of any dispute between parties.The bill suggests the government assist with legal representation in cases where farm dwellers face unlawfu...
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