The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is currently conducting nationwide public hearings on the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land (PDAL) Bill. However, the committee has decided to postpone the Free Stage leg of the hearings this week due to the ongoing minibus taxi stay-away in the Western Cape.
The committee was due to start the Free State hearings from 11 to 13 August 2023 at Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsanyana Districts.
The stay-away has had an impact on the preparatory planning and successful organisation of the hearings, as parliamentary officials and some Members of Parliament have to travel to Free State from Cape Town.
The committee has resolved to move the Free State public hearings to the week of 21 to 23 August 2023. The committee apologises for any inconvenience that this change of date might cause, particularly to the stakeholders and the people of Free State.
Source: Parliament of South Africa