Steenhuisen: ANC in panic mode over land
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed outrage following reports that the African National Congress' (ANC) top six was shown written submissions by the Constitutional Review Committee's on land hearings.
DA's John Steenhuisen says it is entirely inappropriate if the documents were shown to the ANC ahead of the party's cabinet lekgotla.
"To submission were made to parliament, not the ANC, they paid for by parliament, not the ANC. They served before parliament before anyone else," says Steenhuisen.
He adds it is worrying because according to reports it appears the party is concerned that the bulk of the submissions are against land expropriation without compensation.
"Now are seeking to reopen the process, to allow their branch structures to manipulate the public processes."
Steenhuisen believes this illustrates that the ANC is in panic mood ahead of the 2019 general elections.
"They are very concerned and outsourced their policy to the Economic Freedom Fighters."
According to reports, the ANC has also apparently earmarked 139 farms, belonging to farmers who previously rejected offers under the willing buyer, willing seller model.
It is believed the party would expropriate these farms without compensation.
Steenhuisen says the ANC would do this to demonstrate their power.
"It would be interesting to know what criteria were used to select those farm? And how many properties bonded properties? Because it is going to have a detrimental on the property mending markets and bonds and the rest of South Africa."
He adds this move by the ANC is creating panic and uncertainty within the country.
"Out currently is already under pressure from emerging markets and this is not helping. This uncertainty on a continuous base and the lack of leadership been shown is harming South African's economic outlook and prospects."
Listen below:
The ANC could not be reached for comment.