HRC pushes for land reform in SA

The HRC says is investigating a violation of human rights by the Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) plans to lobby that recommendations around land tenure, safety and security in the farming communities, be made law. This follows three days of public hearings around working conditions.

Over the past few days the commission heard 20 submissions, but there is consensus that a great deal of work still needs to be done. Chairperson of the SAHRC, Jody Kollapen, says: "One of the difficult areas remains the approach to land tenure and land security between the farmer and workers - where there isn't a consensus with regard to the way we use and own the land."

Of concern is the increase in the number of acts of violence on women and children. Kollapen says: "(There are) high levels of sexual harassment… sexual violence and worryingly, a lowering of the age of victims. It makes you very worried with regard to what kind of future we have in these communities, where sexual violence becomes the norm."

While current policy implementation is problematic, the commission is now tasked with reviewing the submissions and to hold those accountable to implement the promises made over the past few days.