President Cyril Ramaphosa says the economic potential of land in South Africa has been severely constrained by the concentration of ownership and control in the hands of a few. He delivered the keynote address at the Inaugural Inclusive Growth Conference, hosted by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation in the Drakensberg.
Over three days, the foundation will engage with thought leaders on matters of economic growth and the land debate.
The African National Congress (ANC) government is to test the Constitution’s provision for land expropriation before considering trying to change the constitution to allow for expropriation without compensation.
Ramaphosa says the country needs credible institutions to successfully facilitate land reform. “The achievement of an inclusive society requires institutions that are not only credible and capable, but institutions that are also equipped to enable and facilitate transformation. We seek a state that is both capable and developmental as clearly articulated in the NDP. For as long as institutions that we have to facilitate land reform are unable to process the thousands of claims brought by poor and rural communities, then we will not be able to achieve an inclusive society.”
He says policy on skills development needs to be reviewed to advance the capabilities of society – especially young people. Ramaphosa says society must seek to aim higher in terms of skills development.
“ The shortage of skills in our society remains the greatest impediment to inclusive growth. The development of our human capabilities is therefore absolutely essential. The quality of education our children receive is far below the standards that we expect and need. While these challenges are being steadily addressed, progress is still very slow and it must be our ambition to move faster and to aim higher as well. This requires that policy be critically examined and resources more strategically directed. “ Click below for more on the story:
