Nkwinti land plan can lead to national labour unrest
Expropriating 50% of agricultural land is a reckless move which will lead to widespread labour unrest in the agricultural sector.
According to the business rights watchdog AfriBusiness the ANC government is creating expectations amongst agricultural workers which cannot be met. The result is that the discontent of workers will be artificially fanned. The policy proposal by Minister Nkwinti has the potential to engulf the entire country in De Doorns-type unrest.
According to AfriBusiness CEO, Cornelius Jansen van Rensburg, Nkwinti's land plan is part of a bigger strategy to diminish property rights in South Africa. "Should Nkwinti's plan be implemented, nothing will prohibit the implementation of similar policy in any other sector of the economy. Every worker in every industry will legally be able to demand a 50% ownership stake in the assets of their employer," Jansen van Rensburg said.
AfriBusiness has released a report earlier this month which points out the risks for the future of property rights. A five point plan for the protection and promotion of property rights is included therein. This includes:
1. Legitimate and orderly repair of property rights for people who had lost it in the past;
2. Targeting the idea and application of transformation
3. Legal action should be set in motion to protect the legal basis for property rights;
4. Protecting personal assets against possible state aggression; and
5. Political and economic pressure at international level has become essential.
AfriBusiness has appealed to agricultural unions to avoid becoming embroiled in proposals which will limit the property rights of their members. This matter reaches further than agricultural land. The unions should take a stand that farmers will not be blackmailed by government.
The most important aspect, however, remains the organisation of civil institutions at local level. Strong institutions will put pressure on government and ensure public support for. property rights.
Statement issued by Cornelius Jansen van Rensburg, CEO AfriBusiness/AfriSake, June 25 2014
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