After extensive public hearings and deliberation, the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform yesterday unanimously adopted the Extension of Security of Tenure Amendment Bill. The Bill will now be sent to the National Assembly for adoption in the House.

The Bill was introduced in the National Assembly in September 2015 to amend to the Extension of Security of Tenure Act of 1997. The Committee held extensive public hearings throughout the country during 2016.

The Chairperson, Ms Phumuzile Mabila-Ngwenya, said: “The Committee worked hard to ensure that all stakeholders, including those who were most affected, that is the people working and living on farms, farm owners, government departments, Chapter Nine institutions and non-governmental institutions amongst others, were heard. Their views were considered and acknowledged, and we are satisfied that the Bill will make the change that we want to see.”

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms Phumzile Ngwenya-Mabila.