Media statement:- Conference about expropriation bill

Media Statement


THE CONTROVERSIAL EXPROPRIATION BILL

Conferences re the origin of land and property ownership
and
Implications of the Expropriation Bill

The Expropriation Bill which is currently being considered by Parliament, represents the most radical deviation to date from the national accord based on which the new South Africa was established (for more information, visit www.cfcr.org.za).  It has far-reaching negative consequences for the economy, inter-group relations, food security and the Constitution, and will leave South Africa out of step with all successful economies in the fast globalising world.  The Bill is based on the false perception that white South Africans have no moral right to ownership of land in particular, but also property in general, as everything they possess, is the result of wrongful deprivation, the exploitation and repression of the indigenous population.  As a result of this way of thought, the expropriation of white property at less than the market value, not only can be justified morally, but is also portrayed as necessary in order to achieve national transformation.

The Interim Committee for the Defence of Property Rights intends to address this false perception and the implications of the Bill at the following conferences, which will replace the conference planned for the 2nd of July 2008 in Cape Town.


Conference re False Perceptions about Land and Property Ownership
and the Economic Implications thereof
Monday, 28 July 2008, from 10:30 in the Centurion Council Chamber, Centurion

This conference will provide an opportunity for the public, the national and international community to reflect on the origin and history of land and property ownership, as well as the current distribution of wealth in South Africa and the economic implications of the proposed Bill.  Experts will address, amongst other issues, the history of land and property ownership in South Africa, historical trends in the distribution of wealth and the economic consequences of the Expropriation Bill.

Conference re the Implications of the Expropriation Bill
August (date to be announced) in the Cape

Serious concerns exist that the Government will not pay heed to inputs made during the public hearings on the proposed Expropriation Bill, and that this Bill may even be rushed through Parliament in its current robust format by the ANC, using its huge majority.

The contributions of the growing number of individuals, as well as institutions from all sectors of the community that realise the dangers embedded in this legislation, must be taken into account before any decision can be made regarding this Bill.

The broader community is not fully informed about the contents and implications of the proposed legislation.  Public awareness is of the greatest importance, as this Bill concerns all property, moveable, as well as immoveable.  The Interim Committee for the Defence of Property Rights therefore intends organising a conference in August 2008 (the date will be announced soon) where experts will discuss the implications of the Bill for the South African Constitution, economy, inter-group relations, food security, and also the role played by private ownership in all successful democracies.

More detailed programmes of the two events will be available soon.  All members of the media are invited to attend both conferences.

For more information, contact:

Dave Steward           -           082 824 8875
Alana Bailey              -           072 728 4541
Jaco Schoeman       -           083 651 0739
Theo de Jager          -           082 332 2110
Bennie van Zyl          -           082 466 4470

*          The Interim (Ad-Hoc) Committee for the Defence of Property Rights is an informal grouping of organisations and political parties from across the political and social spectrum, which are opposed to the Expropriation Bill.  Currently it includes the following organisations: AfriForum, the Afrikanerbond, Agri SA, the DA, the FW de Klerk Foundation, the ACDP, the FAK, the Agricultural Employers Organisation, the National Taxpayers Union, the Solidarity Institute for Constitutional and Labour Law Affairs, TAU SA, the Freedom Front Plus, Afrikanerfront and Regslui vir Afrikaans.  Various other organisations are also busy garnering support for this group.



Jan Bosman
Besturende Direkteur
Afrikanerbond
janbosman@abond.co.za
Tel: (011) 482-1600
Sel: 083-630-6187
Faks: (011) 726-5877
Privaat Faks: 086 658 6336