Mabuza: We can no longer avoid land question

Deputy President David Mabuza says land must be returned to the landless.

Mabuza took part in his maiden question and answer session in the National Assembly on Tuesday. 

"We can no longer avoid these questions that are confronting ourselves," he told Members of Parliament. "If we want to survive as a nation, we can no longer protect the status quo. Land must be given back to the rightful owners. Land is a means to help people survive."

The National Assembly on Tuesday recently set in motion a process to amend the Constitution to allow for the expropriation of land without compensation.

The matter was referred to the Constitutional Review Committee which must report back to Parliament by August 30.

Mabuza said even within the African National Congress (ANC) there are differing views on how to deal with land reform. 

"Section 25 has not been tested, but I'm happy with the resolution of the House that will give us an extra lever to deal with this matter." 

"All of us sitting here, we have different standing and different views.

"Not all (ANC national conference) delegates were agreeing to expropriation without compensation. But finally, a view prevailed over everything."