Question NW2930 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
07 September 2015 - NW2930
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
(1) Whether, given the fact that the investment protection agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe does not retroactively provide for the protection of property rights of South African citizens against expropriation and/or illegal occupation before the commencement of the agreement, he will consider introducing legislation to Parliament to bring about compensation for such disadvantaged people by making the confiscation of assets of the Zimbabwean government and/or responsible ministers and/or officials in South Africa possible; if not, why not, seen against the background of the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and relevant international law; if so, what are the relevant details; and
Reply:
(1) I wish to inform the Honourable Member that neither the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, nor the South African Law Reform Commission, has such pending legislation or research projects, in process.
(2) As the matter relates to international property rights, which are not in the jurisdiction of the Republic of South Africa, I would recommend that the Honourable Member address such question to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.