EXPROPRIATION
JOHN DLUDLU: Let’s hold a referendum to settle the land issue
The issue of land expropriation without compensation was always going to be contentious. But the events of the past week have shown how politicians are mishandling it supposedly in the name of their people, and it’s about time that ordinary South Africans — not their leaders (elected or unelected) — were given the right to make a decision through a referendum. Two issues have sparked the latest controversy. First, it is the misunderstood report of the high-level panel headed by former president Kgalema Motlanthe; and second it is the parliamentary process to review section 25 of the Constitution to enable land to be expropriated without compensation beyond the scope envisaged in the current version of the Constitution. Motlanthe was asked by Parliament to review laws passed by the National Assembly and the report — yet to be adopted by Parliament – recommended, among others, that changes be made to the so-called Ingonyama Trust, which controls huge swathes of land in KwaZulu-Natal. ...
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.