Hon Minister, I hear what you are saying but there is a section that you have left out. It is that, there was an option that was originally given to Mr Rakgase to purchase the land and then it changed to a lease agreement, which is the case with many others. However, hon Minister, today it is your opportunity to apologise to not only Mr David Rakgase, but also to all the other farmers like himself who have been cheated by your department and this government from not being able to own the land they worked on. Will you commit that all similar cases will be finalised and the land be transferred to the farmers for full ownership? Again, please
provide us with a timeline within which this land will be transferred to the rightful owners. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
Thank you very much, hon member. I really would like us to respond to the question that you asked. The question was; why has the government not appealed? We have explained. In this matter publicly the Ministry as well as the department we did indicate that it is unfortunate that there might have been an impression created that the state would oppose the matter or rather appeal. So, we did that. I don't think it will be necessary for us to hype on that matter because that matter should inform all of us on how best we resolve issues where there are problems. So, the judgement in our view is instructive on how we should deal with other matters that are similar to that of Rakgase. Thank you. [Applause.]
AN HON MEMBER: Chair, there are members this side as well.