An estimated R13-billion will have to spent by the government to complete land restitution in South Africa, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs Thoko Didiza said on Tuesday.
She told reporters after attending the commercial agriculture working group meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria that this figure only considers restitution and does not include money required for land-redistribution projects.
She said despite agreement from agricultural unions that land restitution needs to be completed as quickly as possible in order not to prolong the pain and uncertainty caused by the process, there is doubt whether the December 2005 deadline set by the government will be met.
”It’s important that we remove the emotion,” Didiza said, noting that it is in everybody’s interest that the deadline be met.
She said the possibility of external funding in order to fast-track land restitution will be considered.
During the meeting, some farm unions were taken by surprise when the government raised the issue of gender equality.
National African Farmers’ Union president Motsepe Matlala said the government declared that it wants to see more women of all colour involved in the decision-making process of the unions.
”We did not expect this ultimatum. We are going to have to learn to work with women,” he said. — Sapa