Chairperson and hon Minister, the ID understands that this new department faces the difficult task of trying to implement its new plans against the backdrop of decreasing finances.
It is indeed unfortunate that during the years when there was enough money, not enough was done to support the beneficiaries of land reform. The ID agrees that all transferred land must be used productively, and we are happy with the department's recognition that the land reform process has been flawed because redistributed land did not receive enough postsettlement support. The ID remains concerned that land reform is being put on hold and that we are getting conflicting signals on how we are going to deal with this issue as we move forward. South Africa needs clear direction on policy, together with achievable targets.
Mr Minister, we also do not want to see the aspirations of the landless being continuously dashed, as they have been over the past 16 years. The proposal to make land a national asset in the upcoming Green Paper must be carefully considered. The ID supports the second option that was proposed: the review of current tenure policies and legislation and the current freehold title system, and a land ceilings framework linked to the categorisation of farms. It would be wrong to attempt to bring about land redress by simply amending the Constitution. This shouldn't be the response to government's own failures of the past 16 years.
I would like to call on the Minister to ensure the institution of a comprehensive rural development programme that will help rural people to gain access to all basic services such as roads, electricity, health, quality education, water and sanitation. The ID also calls on the Minister to pursue those people who were responsible for corruption and maladministration at the Land Bank and ensure that the Land Bank provides proper developmental assistance to farmers. Now that we have recapitalised the Land Bank, it is crucial that money is directed to small-scale farmers.
Chairperson, last week I attended a Scopa meeting that looked at the annual report of the department and there are extremely serious inefficiencies in its administration. I would therefore like to indicate to the Minister that if we are to achieve the objectives outlined by him here today, there is a need for the Minister to sign a performance agreement with the director- general and all other senior officials. The ID supports the Vote. [Applause.]