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THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND
LAND AFFAIRS:
(1) The R100 million will be utilised
for land acquisition for the finalisation of the Ebenezer land claim.
(2) Yes, the funds will be used towards
the purchase of land. Negotiations with the current landoweners
are underway; where agreement is reached between a particular landowner
and the Commission land will be purchased from this amount, which
has been set aside for this purpose.
(3) Yes, in line with our standard
practice, where claimants have opted for land restoration, development
grants and financial aid will be provided for the claimant community,
in terms of section 42C of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 22
of 1994 as amended. This post settlement support is in line with
our quest for sustainable develpment.
(4) No, the R100 million is only an
indicative amount for the restoration of land rights lost. The land
rights lost include an estimated 30 000 hectares, water rights and
beneficial occupation. We have agreed with the claimants that the
land that could be restored
involves 264 allotments owned by some 53 landoweners (approximately
1600ha) and State Land of 1919ha. We took a sample of the affected
properties, valued them and came to an estimate of R100 million
for the finalisation of this claim. We have also agreed with the
claimants that our land acquisition plan for this claim will be
rolled out over a three year period. We had several meetings with
the current landowners and generally they have supported the plan.
It is hoped that the R100 million will be adequate for this purpose.
(5) Yes. The extent of land to be
considered for restoration is about 3500ha as outlined in (4) above.
Additional resources will be made available should the final valuation
so dictate.
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