Obed Bapela says he discussion was sparked by concerns by traditional leaders that their authority with regards to land management has been reduced.
The ANC plans to transfer land back to communities living in areas falling under traditional authorities in a bid to reverse the historical effects of land dispossession.
Obed Bapela said during a report back of the ANC’s governance and legislature committee at the party’s 54th national conference on Wednesday that this was one of the objectives of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), which was passed in 2013.
Bapela said under the adopted resolutions communities will be awarded title deeds that will allow them to determine how they wish to use the land. He said traditional leaders will continue to hold the land in trust on behalf of communities. He said the form of title deed given will depend on the wishes of the community.
However, said Bapela, efforts will be made to ensure that security of tenure and the rights of those residing on the land will be protected.
He said use of land agreements and training of communities will be prioritised to ensure that the land does not remain idle once it has been transferred to communities.
Bapela said the discussion was sparked by concerns by traditional leaders that their authority with regards to land management has been reduced.