Deputy Speaker, I undertake not to speak any nonsense today. [Laughter.] According to the 2013 Land Audit Report, 14% of the land is held by the state. Some 79% is held by citizens, trusts and companies, and the remaining 7%, or 8,4 million hectares, is unregistered or unrecorded in the Deeds Office.
We, in the ACDP, fully appreciate that the land issue is very emotional and must be addressed in a responsible manner to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. In view of the fact that almost 21% of the land is either unregistered or in the hands of the state, we believe that there is some responsibility on the part of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform for the slow rate of land reform that we have seen. We do believe that this can be improved upon. Clearly, resolving the land issue is a complex issue, where aspirations for land must be balanced against existing property rights, agriculture and food security within the constitutional order.
We know that agriculture is the primary source of income for as many as 5 million people and their dependants, and we know, therefore, that finding solutions to this very contentious issue is in the best interests of the country's political and social stability and its economic future. Sustainable growth is what is required, and that requires a thriving rural and agricultural sector. What we need is rural development and the productive usage of land. We need far better support for emerging farmers, mentorships and partnerships.
The issue of land should not now be a political football used during the campaigning, as unrealistic expectations can be created which, if unfulfilled, will create even greater tension in society. We in the ACDP implore all leaders to be cautious in the language we use, in the promises we make. We are shocked at some of the outrageous claims that are being made by a certain party that is not represented in this House, but which wear red berets. We, as leaders, must be dealers in hope, and also be peacemakers. Are we not taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God?"
Let us campaign responsibly, but let us also stand for justice and righteousness. I thank you.