Hon Speaker, hon Minister and hon members, the Property Valuation Bill is, in essence, accelerating transformation and is pro- justice and equity. I quote from the Constitution of South Africa of 1996, section 25(8), which stipulates:
No provision of this section may impede the state from taking legislative and other measures to achieve land, water and related reform, in order to redress the results of past racial discrimination ...
The following are among the challenges that had to be addressed: The demand- driven and market-based model, better known as the willing-buyer, willing- seller model, for the acquisition of land was an important characteristic of the land reform programme. This was mainly based on the historical value at the time the land was dispossessed. Only 7,5% of government's intended target of 30% delivery of agricultural land by 2015 was reached. This means just over 6 million hectares of the 25 million hectare target has been reached.
Another challenge in land reform was the escalating land prices. It contributed tremendously to the slow pace of land redistribution. Property valuation was identified as the central problem in government's implementation of land reform. Gently stated, valuations have not been interpreted and applied in a uniform manner. Therefore the need has arisen, upon proper analysis, to aggressively implement the framework of how to deal with valuations.
During the oversight periods we became aware of sky high prices charged for land by some owners who conducted business with the state. It was then reported, for example that maintenance of these properties stopped before it changed hands. Hence to curb these challenges, new legislation is required to give effect to the provisions in the Constitution. It is the Property Valuation Bill. This Bill provides for the functions and powers of the Office of the Valuer- General, which will provide compulsory valuation services in respect of property that has been identified for land reform. The Office of the Valuer- General will also provide voluntary valuation services to departments for the acquisition or disposal of property.
The Office of the Valuer-General will provide a regulatory service that will entail the setting of criteria and procedures for valuations as well as the monitoring of valuations to ensure compliance. Amongst others, provision is made for authorised valuers, the proper identification of valuers conducting valuations and for the conduct of these valuers. On the other hand, the co-operation of all the interested parties in order to ensure a smooth process is of the essence.
The Bill is funded for the first three years of operation and is supported by National Treasury. Cope is therefore satisfied that enough checks and balances have been built into the structure of this Bill to prevent absolute power. Cope supports the Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]