FF+: Statement by Pieter Groenewald, Freedom Front Plus parliamentary spokesperson, EFF ordered to leave Parliament in debate on land (24/07/2014)

24th July 2014

FF+: Statement by Pieter Groenewald, Freedom Front Plus parliamentary spokesperson, EFF ordered to leave Parliament in debate on land (24/07/2014)

It can no longer be tolerated that it is continuously said in Parliament that white people stole black people’s land. What can be said then is that black people stole the land of the Khoi and San, Dr. Pieter Groenewald, the FF Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson on rural development and land reform said.

These comments of Dr. Groenewald, which were made in reaction to the repeated comments of, in particular the EFF and the ANC, that white people stole land, elicited strong reaction from two EFF members and Dr. Groenewald was repeatedly called a thief and liar.

After repeated warnings they refused to withdraw the comments and were asked to leave the chamber.

Dr. Groenewald said afterwards that people should stop alleging that one group stole another group’s land and pointed out that even the Minister, Gugile Nkwinti, speaks in a more responsible manner of, amongst others, wars which were fought in the country about land.

“There cannot be any sensible discussions about land if white people are continually being accused that they are land thieves. This must stop,” Dr. Groenewald said.