The portfolio committee, after examining and analysing the petition, determined that the claims process was prolonged due to the failure of the Regional Land Claims Commissioner to provide comprehensive responses on questions of the committee.
This petition highlighted three broad areas of concern with regard to the processing of land claims, namely: limitations of the legislative framework for restitution; grievances for the process of restitution; and the conduct of officials implementing restitution.
Settlement of specific land claims resulted in numerous claimants passing away prior to having the opportunity of seeing their land restored. Many of the land claim forms and supporting documents were found to be misplaced or lost by the commission. Claimants were allegedly misinformed and threatened by officials. Concerns relating to nepotism and corruption were expressed. It was determined that the commission had a weak database of land claims in its office, and where evidence could not be provided, there was an apparent lack of a plan to deal with this.
A further disturbing fact was that the commissioner, although summoned to appear before the portfolio committee, did not appear. This is clear contempt of Parliament. A number of other factors resulted in endless delays, which precipitated the claimants in resorting to the Human Rights Commission to resolve these issues.
Although the DA supports this report, it is a concern that despite the claimants petition to this House, it could not be dealt with to the satisfaction of the claimants concerned. [Applause.]
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.