Hon Speaker and hon members, following deliberations over a number of months, in December 2008 Cabinet approved the use of equitable redress as the only option for the settlement of land claims against the Kruger National Park. This option is provided for in terms of section 34 of the Land Restitution Act. In terms of this section, claimants receive fair and equitable financial compensation for the loss of their land rights. This option was chosen because restoration of title on this land in the National Park was not feasible.
However, Cabinet decided that the community's expectation of taking possession of their ancestral land is a deserving and reasonable expectation. That is why Cabinet felt we need to address this matter in a manner that would create a win-win situation, because the requirements of maintaining the park for biodiversity purposes are as important to the country and the nation as a whole as the rights of the claimants to that land, hence the decision to compensate them.
In addition to financial compensation, the claimant families of land within the park will have rights to ancestral graves or traditional site visits on agreed calendar days for commemorations or any ritual that they need to observe; acknowledgement of the history of communities when naming facilities and camps; environmental education for children and youth; job opportunities; and preferential procurement opportunities. These are some of the elements built into this package.
A community levy will be charged to all visitors, and it will be channelled into a community trust fund which will be used to fund future community development projects, broad-based black economic empowerment opportunities and equity in commercial concessions. These options were considered and the decision was taken by Cabinet on merit to create this win-win solution. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy President, I thank you very much for that reply. I think you are bringing back certainty to the Kruger National Park. It is one of our world heritage sites and a valuable asset, not only to South Africa, but to the whole world. I thank you very much for that. I just need clarity: You say today that the decision that was taken by Cabinet in 2008 is the decision that still stands today.
Yes, I confirm that that is the decision that still stands. I thank you.
Thank you very much, Speaker. Deputy President, considering the backlog of paying landowners, what money has been budgeted to ensure that claimants are compensated? Thank you.
Hon Speaker and hon member, that is a matter of detail. I would not be able to give you the figures right here. That is a matter that the Department of Rural Development would be responsible for. Thank you.
Speaker, I pressed the hon Sibhida's button by mistake. I am H F Matlanyane. Thank you, Deputy President, for the response. I would like to know whether there are different circumstances in the claim by the Makuleke community in the Kruger National Park and in the outstanding claims resulting in a different approach by government in settlement of these claims? If so, what are the different circumstances? Thank you.
Thank you, hon member. The Makuleke arrangement is a leaseback agreement to a private company that comprises a section of the Kruger National Park, and that has its own problems. As government is trying to attend to those problems, it was felt that this is not a model to be replicated. A big difference here is that the Makuleke community is one community, whereas the others were diverse communities. It would have meant that if we went by the Makuleke model, the park itself would cease to be a national park.
Progress in implementing Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement
14. Mr H T Magama (ANC) asked the Deputy President:
What (a) progress has been made by the Sudanese government in implementing the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement and (b) role will the (i) African Union and/or (ii) Government play to ensure that the 2010 election and national referendum are conducted peacefully?