The Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land (PDAL) Bill was rejected by many participants in the West Coast District during public hearings conducted yesterday by the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development at the Allan Boesak Community Hall in Piketberg.

The participants argued that in its current form, the Bill is about commercial farmers and does not make provision for the development and support of small-scale farmers who continue to be ignored in the district. They said that small-scale farmers are marginalised and pushed to the peripheral dry side of the agricultural sector, with no empowerment nor assistance, notwithstanding 29 years of democracy.

Hence, they have even resorted to grabbing the land to graze their cattle and grow crops, as wealthy commercial farmers in the district continue to monopolise the arable land in the district. Representatives of the small-scale farmers, one after another, appealed for the Bill to contain clauses promoting their empowerment and development.

Another challenge they highlighted is that local municipalities confiscate their livestock with impunity when it crosses unfenced boundaries separating communal land, municipal land and commercial farms. Then they are charged unaffordable fines by the municipalities to release the confiscated livestock.

The participants also highlighted the scarcity of water in the district and said commercial farmers monopolise the water supply. They even cut the supply of water to others and ensure that they monopolise it with no government intervention. Farm dwellers told the committee that they endure excruciating living conditions on the farms and do not enjoy human rights; eviction and assault are the order of the day.

The residents also spoke about how a certain church in the area dominates the distribution and allocation of farming land in the area. The church claims ownership of land and sells it to its members whenever it chooses. They also claimed that the church has influence over the municipality.

Those who supported the Bill expressed their hope that it will stop the municipalities in the district from doing as they please with the land. They want the land to be preserved and expect the Bill to achieve this, along with inclusivity and access to land for all.

The Chairperson of the committee, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, said the committee has noted with appreciation that many residents expressed their views on the Bill and highlighted the failures of the municipality and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development when it comes to land and livestock issues. He thanked all the participants and assured them that the committee will use their inputs when it considers the final report on the Bill.

The committee will today hold the public hearings at Van Huyssteen Avanue Indoor Sport Centre in Worcester from 10am to 2pm.

Source: Parliament of South Africa