By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President David Mabuza has delivered the closing remarks at the Land Reform and Agriculture Summit on Saturday.Mabuza said the issues raised at the summit would be taken to the Cabinet for consideration.
Land issues were seriously discussed in commissions and in plenary sessions, said Mabuza, adding that this showed everyone was concerned about the land issue.
“I want to assure the summit that all the issues raised here will be taken seriously. We will endeavour to give progress reports as we proceed from time to time.This is not just another talk shop. We are going to report on progress that we are going to make on all issues that you raised,” said Mabuza.
He said they were satisfied that all those present at the summit had expressed their views. Attendance at the event was not just an excursion on the part of government, but rather a bid to resolve the land issue.
This remained important in the country, as there were many people who were directly affected by the land.
The land question would have to be addressed by the government, civil society, traditional leaders and other role-players.
“We are going to consolidate all the views you have put here, and we will put them before cabinet as soon as possible for further guidance.
“I am sure beyond cabinet there will be an announcement that you will hear, probably from cabinet, about these matters.
Mabuza warned that liberation cannot be entirely realised until the land, and what is beneath and above it, is in the control and command of the majority.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, so the economy must belong to all who live in it and land must belong to all who live in it.”