The IFP contends that South Africa's land reform process is in crisis
following starling revelations from Mr Sibusiso Gamede, the Acting Chief
Land Claims Commissioner, at Parliament yesterday.

At the meeting of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mr Narend Singh
MP, the IFP's representative on the Committee, questioned Mr Gamede on the
progress of restitution of land.

"I was horrified to hear that the Land Claims Commission had signed sales
agreements committing Government to purchasing land for restitution purposes
to the amount of R7.5 billion which has now skyrocketed to R12 billion. In
addition, government has been forced, through court orders, to pay out R500
million to land owners. What is even more alarming is that government
allegedly does not have the money to pay these exorbitant bills," said
Singh.

Singh said that he had information that 4000 claims, which were lodged as
far back as the 31st of December 1998, still needed to be researched,
considered and Gazetted.

Singh said: "The Committee asked for the quantification of how much it will
cost Government to finalise these 4000 claims should the State be liable to
pay for this land. We are awaiting the Commission's feedback but I am sure
that it will amount to billions."

"All indication, in my opinion, is that South Africa's land reform process
is a ticking time bomb for the national fiscus. More importantly, the
uncertainty creates unnecessary anguish, tension and huge financial losses
for both land owners and prospective claimants, which poses a serious risk
for South Africa's national security. The failure to deal with land reform
effectively will also have a devastating impact on food production and
security in future," added Singh.