Hon Deputy Speaker, while the IFP is supporting this Bill, it is against the way the Bill has been structured. We are extremely concerned that, in terms of this Bill, traditional leaders will be totally excluded and deprived of their authority to allocate and distribute land to the members of their communities. By such exclusion, the Bill seeks to override and ignore one of the core principles of the Ingonyama Trust by not providing for consultation with traditional leadership on issues pertaining to land that falls under their administration.
The Bill's objective looks noble at first glance, yet it hides the fact that the Bill abrogates the powers of traditional leaders regarding allocation and use of land, except for those leaders who may be elected to serve in municipal structures.
Of serious concern is the fact that the Bill has not been sent to the House of Traditional Leaders, even though it deals with traditional land. The IFP strongly urges that traditional leaders not only be included in this Bill, but also that nothing be done without their prior approval, because they are acutely aware of the needs of their communities in terms of land issues. As the Bill stands, municipalities will have full control over the process of land redistribution. This is totally unacceptable.
In conclusion, we, as the IFP, urge the full inclusion and consultation of the House of Traditional Leaders when issues arise in terms of this law that pertains to land under their authority. Thank you.