Issued by: The Ministry of Land Affairs
I wish to congratulate the three additional judges whom the President has appointed to the Land Claims Court.
All three of the new judges have impressive records and experience in the issues with which the Court will have to deal. Each of them will bring particular strengths and experience to the Court.
The Land Claims Court has to deal with a very important and sensitive issue: how to redress the dispossession of land through apartheid laws in a manner which is fair, and which recognises the legitimate rights and interests of all concerned. I am confident that the Court, under the leadership of Judge President Fikile Bam, will play a valuable role in building a system of land and property rights which is just and equitable.
All claims will first be dealt with by the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights. The Commission will investigate claims and assist parties to resolve disputes. Once a claim has been dealt with by the Commission, it will be referred to the Land Claims Court for a decision.
The Court operates as a circuit court, and will hold its hearings around the country, in order to ensure that it is easily accessible to the people who are affected.
The Commission has already received more than 4 500 claims. THe Commissioners are now investigating those claims in co-operation with the parties and the Department of Land Affairs. I trust that some of the claims will be ready for submission to the Court in near future.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF LAND AFFAIRS, PRETORIA DATE: 27 JULY 1995