Ramaphosa vows to tackle land issue 'immediately'
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed a speedy implementation of the governing party's policy of land expropriation without compensation.
Ramaphosa says the issue of land is a painful one for many South Africans and needs to be addressed immediately.
Opening the House of Traditional Leaders in Parliament on Tuesday morning, Ramaphosa was adamant that the policy adopted at the African National Congress' (ANC) 54th National Conference will be implemented without delay.
"It is emotive and very sensitive. It is at the same time an issue that is steeped in the history of our country but also an issue that has brought a great deal of pain and suffering to many of our people," said Ramaphosa.
The National Assembly is set to debate a motion by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on a draft resolution for the expropriation of land without compensation on Tuesday.
It is unclear whether the ANC will side with the EFF but Ramaphosa's address clearly indicates that the governing party could side with the Red Berets on the matter.
"Land dispossession is a defining feature of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa. Land hunger among black South Africans continues to be genuine and pressing. It is urgent and a matter that has to be resolved with great urgency."