MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Clumsy attempts at political power play will only serve to bedevil the extremely sensitive land restitution process. In the long run, it will serve nobody’s interests.

This was the stern reaction to events last week, when the irresponsible actions of officials and land claimants led to tension and confrontation with the local organised farming community.

Organised land owners in the Albasini Dam area took a firm stand against unlawful ad hoc farm inspections and insisted that both officials and rowdy land claimants follow the procedures prescribed by the appropriate act.

“We are not obstructing the work of the Land Claims Commission. We are also not in defiance of the land restitution process. But because it is a potentially emotional issue for all concerned, it is of the utmost importance that we all adhere meticulously to the prescribed procedures. This is the only way in which we can make meaningful progress, if we advance with mutual respect and in the common interests of the entire community,” a spokesperson for the landowners said.

Asked for his comments on the rising tension caused by the unsuccessful efforts of local agents of the commission and a group of land claimants to enter the farms without prior notice or permission, in contravention of the prescribed procedures, a South African expert on the land claims issue, Mr Theo de Jager, said in an interview that mutual respect is of prime importance to ensure the success of the whole land restitution exercise.

“In consultations on national level between representatives of organized agriculture and the government, we agreed to respect each other’s authority. I am convinced that the problem does not arise from the process or from the political management. In the Limpopo Province there is unfortunate evidence, however, that individual officials prefer to proceed like bulls in a china shop in a childish effort to display political power. Such clumsy behaviour is not in the interest of that mutual cooperation, which is essential for meaningful progress in a constructive process. It only serves to anger all decent, benevolent people, who are eager to ensure that the whole process will in the long run be resolved in a way which will serve the national interest. ”

Mr De Jager emphasised the great importance for land owners to organise themselves into a united body.