SIU Annual Report: R700 million in illegal land grants 

The latest Special Investigating Unit (SIU) annual report has revealed illegal land grants issued by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to the value of R699 million. 

This revelation forms part of an on-going investigation into the awarding and administration of grants under the Department's land reform programme as part of an SIU Proclamation issued by President Jacob Zuma in February 2011.

According to the report, over 60 matters relating to land reform grants were investigated, of which:

• Three cases have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal prosecution;
• Seven criminal cases have been referred to the South African Police Services (SAPS) for the institution of criminal proceedings against officials and external parties on charges of fraud and corruption; and
• Twelve reports have been handed to the Land Reform Department with the recommendation to institute disciplinary action.

I will be submitting parliamentary questions to Minister Gugile Nkwinti to request an update on the progress of these cases as well as to determine what measures are being put in place to ensure that such incidents of gross mismanagement are avoided in future. 

Land reform is a vital cog in government's efforts to redress the legacy of Apartheid. No corruption should be tolerated. All those guilty of defrauding land reform beneficiaries must face the full might of the law. 

In unequivocal support of land reform, the DA will continue to monitor government's progress with land reform to ensure that it truly promotes economic inclusion, lifts people out of poverty and supports growth and prosperity in the agricultural sector.

Statement issued by Mpowele Swathe MP, Shadow Minster of Rural Development and Land Reform, October 21 2013

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