Statement from Al Jama-ah Party:
Al Jama-ah Welcomes the Signing of the Expropriation Bill into Law as a Landmark Step Towards Land Reform and Economic Redress
Al Jama-ah, under the leadership of President and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, warmly welcomes the recent signing of the Expropriation Bill into law. This pivotal move comes at a crucial time, as President Ramaphosa has also entrusted Hon. Hendricks with a special assignment to combat the illegal and unjust farm evictions happening across the country.
The signing of the Expropriation Bill into law marks a historic moment for South Africa’s path towards proper land reform and economic redress. Al Jama-ah believes that if implemented fairly and justly, this Act will go a long way in addressing the historical injustices faced by our people and contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. We are confident that, with this law in place, we can begin to see genuine efforts to restore land to those who have been wrongfully dispossessed.
Al Jama-ah stands firm in its commitment to the protection of farm dwellers, particularly in areas such as Paarl and Robertson in the Drakenstein Municipality, where mass evictions reminiscent of the apartheid-era Group Areas Act continue to take place. These evictions harm labour tenants who have long called these farms their homes. President Ramaphosa’s confidence in appointing Hon. Ganief Hendricks to address this issue demonstrates the urgency of ensuring that all municipalities, including Drakenstein, take a firm stand in support of labour tenants and not in favour of lifestyle farmers and others seeking to remove them from their land.
As part of this mission, Hon. Hendricks will engage with the Ministry of Land Affairs and Rural Development, as well as the Ministry of Cogta, to find legal remedies to halt these unlawful evictions. The Deputy Minister has also urged the Minister of Cogta to clarify which side the Drakenstein Municipality is on: the side of the farmers or the side of the labour tenants. We call on all municipalities to stand with farm dwellers and prevent any further displacement.
The next critical step in our journey toward a more just society is the amendment of the Land Reform Labour Tenants Act of 1996. Al Jama-ah, together with the expertise of the Ministry of Social Development, is determined to address these injustices and bring permanent relief to farm dwellers. Expropriation with nil compensation, in line with the new law, is at the forefront of our fight to protect the rights of our people and ensure they receive their rightful share of the land.
We look forward to the continued support of our allies in government and civil society as we work toward a future where the land and its resources are distributed equitably, and where the rights of all South Africans are safeguarded.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah, January 25, 2025.
Asghar Khan (Spokesperson)
079 526 8674
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