Question NW2133 to the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
07 July 2015 - NW2133
Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
With reference to his statement in his Budget Vote Debate No 39, Rural Development and Land Reform, Appropriation Bill on 8 May 2015, (a) which (i) organisations and/or (ii) stakeholders advised against the proposed policy titled Strengthening the Relative Rights of People Working the Land, the so-called 50/50 proposal, during his consultation sessions, (b) on what basis was this advice not taken and (c) if he can provide copies of all such submissions; (2) (a) which (i) organisations and/or (ii) stakeholders supported the 50/50 proposal and (b) can he provide copies of all such submissions?
Reply:
(1)(a),(i),(ii) Agri South Africa, BASA/Agbiz, Sugar Association of South Africa, amongst others objected to the implementation of the 50/50 policy raising issues of co management, common visioning, and skills amongst communities and further stated that the policy should not be mandatory or binding but voluntary.
(b) All submissions are being considered in current consultations and alternative options to improve the policy are under discussion.
(c) Please refer to Annexure A for the AFASA submission.
(2)(a),(i),(ii) AFASA stated they will support the policy on condition that a farm has a turnover of R50 million. NGOs working on land also support the policy but did not provide written submissions.
(b) Please refer to Annexure B. All parties and stakeholders who are participating in consultations have embraced the principle of strengthening the rights of people who have contributed to the growth of the farming sector realising also the need of creating stability in the sector. Stakeholders went further to put options and suggestions on how to make the proposal workable. Consultations are still on going and there are many areas of convergence. It has been agreed with all stakeholders to select a few pilot sites for learning purposes and if the proposal does not work, it will be reviewed. Stakeholders are from organised agriculture, commodity organisations and NGOs.