The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

ACDP MP, Cheryllyn Dudley said the Land Affairs Budget was inadequate to meet capacity requirements and did not support it:

"The ACDP supports government determination to continue to prioritize poverty alleviation and in view of the high levels of poverty which persist in rural areas we applaud the new focus on rural development. These efforts we hope will prosper rural inhabitants and communities and help stem the flow of people to cities in search of work.

A lack of access to land however, is still sited as a major contributor to rural poverty making the remaining outstanding land claims a definite concern. In order to meet its 30 percent target the department needs to redistribute at least 3.2 million hectares of white owned agricultural land every year between now and 2014. This is clearly not possible on the budget before us.

The ACDP notes the additional budget for staff capacity and expects the department to pro-actively utilise these not only to seek out suitably qualified personnel, but for departmental training to develop and achieve the required level of skills.

1The ACDP is concerned by conflicting reports creating confusion and delays. In the case of a 12 000 hectare farm at Hartbeespoort (section B410 JQ "Geluk"), a five-year deadlock in the sale has occurred. Despite assurances from Chief Land Claims Commissioner Andrew Mphela that market value should be paid for property, this property, owned by a willing seller, and valued by the department at just over 3 million rand in 2007 has received an offer of 1.2 million rand from government. According to the Land Claims Commission's Gauteng and North West provincial head of communications, Edward Mulaudzi, "the reduction of prices not only applies to Hartbeespoort properties - but to all other farms".

The ACDP believes that negotiating in bad faith places land restitution and redistribution programmes in jeopardy.

With funds allocated to land acquisition being persistently scaled back; questions are being raised as to government's intentions regarding purchasing of land.

Both land claimants and the agricultural community require a speedy conclusion of claims to restore confidence and regain peak production for food security.

Regrettably, the ACDP sees this budget as inadequate to meet capacity requirements, to achieve targets in redistributing land and for making restitution. The ACDP will not support vote 27 as it stands.