DA challenges Minister Nkwinti to withdraw controversial land reform policy 

29 June 2014

The DA will write to the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti, requesting he officially withdraw his department's controversial land reform proposal which will lead to forced expropriation. 

This comes after senior members of ANC, of which the Minister is a member, reportedly noted that the proposal was not party policy (see Rapport report). 

The proposal, in its current form, contradicts the National Development Plan - South Africa's blueprint for economic growth.

Indeed, the proposal goes against the NDP by doing away with the willing buyer willing seller principle, and places development funds in the hands of a government that has failed to administrate any state-owned enterprise effectively. 

If it is implemented, it will most certainly destroy jobs, create greater insecurity within the agricultural sector and lead to an increased loss in expertise within the industry. 

Given the proposal's failings and opposition even from within the ruling party, the Minister has no other option but to withdraw the policy.

The DA in the Western Cape remains very keen to pilot the NDP's proposal for land reform, engaging all role-players to make it succeed. 

The DA is committed to addressing Apartheid's legacy through stable land reform policy, open dialogue with the Minister on how to implement NDP's land reform proposals throughout the country and improving land security for all South Africans. 

Statement issued by Thomas Walters MP, DA Shadow Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, June 29 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter