/ 24 November 2006

AgriSA welcomes probe into land delivery

The investigation into service delivery by the Department of Land Affairs was a welcome development, said AgriSA on Friday.

”AgriSA has been concerned for some time about processes that were delayed in the department and the commission on restitution of land rights, as well as the fact that the farming community alone is always blamed for the slow progress with land reform,” said Dr Theo de Jager, chairperson of the AgriSA land-affairs committee.

Earlier this week, Minister of Land Affairs Lulama Xingwana said she had asked the Public Service Commission to investigate how the department can speed up service delivery.

De Jager said the minister had acknowledged that there were problems in the department.

”The minister’s openness about the problems within the department and her clear determination to take steps to rectify the problems are good news.”

He said AgriSA was prepared to help the department. — Sapa