'Land reform moving at a snail's pace'

Land ownership was under the spotlight a the National African Farmers' Union (NAFU) meeting in Tshwane today. Land reform was one of the main promises made by the government when it came to power over a decade ago. However many believe reform is progressing at a snail's pace.

Government planned to redistribute 30% of farm land to black farmers by 2015. But, since 1994, less than 5% of white-owned commercial agricultural land has been redistributed.

The farmers say it is unfair to expect them to invest in businesses which may not hold any future for them. "Many farmers across the board - black and white. You cannot farm because you can't invest in a farm when you are not sure whether it will be taken tomorrow," says NAFU President Motsepe Matlala.

Matlala said there is a need for farmers to corporate with government in finding constitutionally acceptable resolutions to the land question in the country.