Concourt hears application to extend consultations on land restitution bill
Parliament wants more time to finalise the proposed legislation, after missing its original deadline
The speaker of the National Assembly and the chair of the National Council of Provinces failed to give “sufficient” explanation for not re-enacting the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Bill, the Constitutional Court heard on Tuesday. The amendments to the act sought to reopen the period for land claims beyond July 2014, which had otherwise been the cut-off date for old claims. The court was hearing an application by parliament to be granted an extension until March 29 2019 to finalise the bill, which had to be enacted within 24 months as ordered by the court in July 2016. In 2016, the Constitutional Court ordered parliament to review provisions in the bill after it was found to have failed to fulfil its obligation to facilitate public involvement in the legislation process. The ruling also meant the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights was interdicted from processing land claims in accordance with section 25 (7) of the constitution until the amendments are enacted in accorda...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.