Dear Constitutional Review Committee.


As a young person citizen in this country, I am happy that the question of land is being discussed/addressed. History and current economic realities reflect that agricultural development have a potential to transform the economy of the country and ensure that young people actually participate in the mainstream economy of the country. However, without land for production, it is very difficult for young people, particularly in rural area, to produce in a way that will enable economic development, employment, sustainability and rural agricultural development. Personally, I am a graduate in the field of Agriculture, like many other graduates in the field, I have struggled to get employment or access to land. The government processes of getting land is a daunting task. I've had several attempts to secure land for production/business ventures, but in all these attempt I've never been successful. Furthermore, the department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, have progressively made attempts to ensure capacity building and provide support to black farmers, but the progress have been very slow as many black farmers have no access to land. I would not comment on the issue or debate of previous injustices of land acquisition by the minority as that will prolong the process while the people, my fellow brothers and sister still suffer in the townships, villages and rural communities. I, therefore, request the committee to ensure that land is effectively accessible to the young people of South Africa, whether through expropriation of land without compensation or not. Thank you.