There's a new Zimbabwean style law government wants to pass. If this is approved by parliament there is no turning back for the people or economy of this country..

The minister of public works will be in a position to "claim" any property for "re-distribution". This they deem necessary to "fast track" past land injustices. The problem is that the new law does not specify land, but property.

This means :

• Any property, not just land. This includes businesses, houses, cars, animals etc.
• Any property, anywhere. Not only farmland but including built-up areas.
• The principle of willing buyer/seller falls away. Courts can only determine if correct procedures were followed but are not allowed to interfere/rule otherwise.
• Market related values will have no impact on what government will/may offer in return. According to the relevant minister a balance will be struck considering not only value but also public interest.
• The minister will determine the price. No-one can argue. Not even the courts.
• The minister will also be the sole decision maker on what property he/she requires. There will be "advisors" to help determine which properties are in public interest.

Of course the farmers will be a prime target. But once this law gets passed nothing will stop government from claiming prime land in any built-up area for low cost housing. Developers already have a hard time with the law which determines that a certain percentage of any new housing development must be set aside for the lower income group. The way around that has always been for the developer to "donate" unrelated grounds to government for this purpose. Some even build low cost housing for free.

We're seeing more and more bullying and buddy-buddy schemes from local municipal hotshots within the ANC. Open stretches (and specifically caravan parks) next to the sea on the West Coast are targeted for development. Municipal managers with shares in BEE construction companies are bulldozing plans through without the necessary and required impact studies, nor consultation with the people they were elected by.

A BEE mining concern was given mining rights to private properties. The coal industry is having a hard time coping with demand from Eskom mainly because Eskom management allowed reserves to run out totally. They've been given massive bonuses for saving money which obviously includes retrenching half their workforce, and the knowledge with that. That's the main reason we have suffer blackouts.

More arrogance one may only expect from African countries further North, but it's on our doorstep and it's happening at an alarming rate.

Let's have your ideas -

Message Board
Free Forums by Bravenet.com