Chairperson, hon members, the Bill before this House is a further example of how deep the system of oppression was entrenched in our society before 1994.
Under the Black Administration Act of 1927, certain citizens acquired registered or registrable land rights and continued to transact with these rights in terms of this Act up to this day. During 2004, 35 539 such transactions were effected by the Registrar of Deeds throughout the country. An example of such a right is the right arising out of the deed of grant issued under chapter 2 of the Black Areas Townships Regulations, Proclamation R 293 of 1962.
The remaining enabling statutory provisions under which these rights were obtained, namely the Black Administration Act of 1927, as members would recall, will be repealed by no later than 31 July this year, upon the coming into effect of the Repeal of the Black Administration Act and Amendment of Certain Laws Act, Act 28 of 2005, which was adopted by this House in November 2005.
Therefore the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill is a direct consequence of the effect of the Repeal of the Black Administration Act and Amendment of Certain Laws Act, Act 28 of 2005, and seeks to confer powers on the Registrar of Deeds to continue recognising and effecting the registration of these rights, and also to transfer these rights originally acquired in terms of the Black Administration Act of 1927.
These amendments are further examples of a caring government that seeks to facilitate a smooth transition from an unjust past to a just future. Therefore, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs has agreed to the proposed amendments, as provided for by the Deeds Registries Amendment Bill and recommends that this House approves this Bill. I thank you.
Debate concluded.
I shall now put the question. The question is that the Bill be agreed to. In accordance with Rule 63 I shall first allow political parties the opportunity to make their declaration of vote if they so wish. We shall now proceed to the voting on the question. Those in favour say "Aye."
HON MEMBERS: Aye.
All members voted in favour. I therefore declare the Bill agreed to.
Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.