Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the matter of land claims as highly sensitive and deserving of the utmost urgency in its handling.
The deputy president was on Friday responding to questions in the National Assembly on progress achieved by government in resolving land claims, as part of the land reform programme.
He noted that as of June, there were 5 407 outstanding old order land claims, a reduction from the previously indicated 6 600 claims.
“There has been some movement now that is taking place,” he assured MPs.
Mashatile also mentioned government interventions to expedite land reform, including the consideration of the Expropriation Bill by the National Council of Provinces and the approval of the Land Court Amendment Bill.
“The Land Court Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for communal land transfer, registration, title and appointment of a land rights enquirer, has been sent to the President for assent.”
The bill, Mashatile explained, aims to regulate the administration and use of communal land by communities within the framework of the applicable laws, including spatial planning and land use management.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
