PHASA STATEMENT
“Expropriation of Land in South Africa”
Concerns have been raised by our members and the broader international hunting community regarding the issue of “land expropriation without compensation” in South Africa. The Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa (PHASA) wishes to clarify this issue. PHASA would like to assure the public that although talks of “expropriation without compensation” is a concern, there are numerous constitutional procedures and implementation requirements that first need to be addressed prior to this policy coming to fruition.
South Africa has one of the best constitutions in the world and the bill that was passed in parliament, will first have to be investigated and go through a constitutional review committee process. The committee will have to hold public hearings, where South Africans can give suggestions and inputs. Once completed the committee will report back to the National Assembly where their findings will then, once more be voted for in parliament. A two-thirds majority vote is required for the committee’s recommendations to be accepted.
The President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa has urged people not to panic and outlined the critical importance for South Africans to engage to come up with meaningful proposals and recommendations concerning the land issue. It is paramount for the broader community to realise that specific constraint was put in place that this process may not undermine the:
1. Economy, 2. Agricultural production and 3. Food security.
PHASA will heed the President’s request and be involved in finding amicable solutions for the wildlife and hunting industries by highlighting the invaluable contribution hunting makes to the green economy. Members of the PHASA Executive Committee were in Parliament on the same day as the land decision was made. PHASA was involved in finding ways of unlocking the socio-economic potential of South Africa’s biodiversity assets through sustainable use of wildlife resources.
According to the President of South Africa, land expropriation would not be a “smash and grab” attempt, and much consultation would take place to ensure the process would not harm food production, jobs and the economy as a whole.
South Africa remains one of the best destinations of choice for international tourists and as an Association we would like to assure the general public that South Africa remains a safe and preferred destination for hunters.
PHASA