Black farmers are capable

If President Hage Geingob has his way the contentious willing-buyer, willing-seller policy will be a thing of the past. The head of state greatly spoke of the need for government to consider radical land expropriation in order to fast-track land reform in the country. Although there is no conclusive data indicating how much of the private land is owned by black people, property ownership in Namibia remains heavily skewed across racial lines, with the majority blacks owning very little land for commercial and agricultural use. Government has for the past 27 years opted to tread carefully on the land question although the constitution of the country makes provision for expropriation with fair compensation. “The State or a competent body or organ authorised by law may expropriate in the public interest subject to the payment of just compensation, in accordance with requirements and procedures to be determined by Act of Parliament,” the Constitution reads. Our land reform programme is painfully slow and only heaven knows if the government target of transferring 43% or 15 million of arable agricultural land to the previously disadvantaged by 2020 will be realised. It is really time that something is done. Government has made the right noises over the years, including admitting that the willing-buyer, willing-seller concept, was a spectacular failure. Many pressure groups have reawakened discussion on the land question, potentially putting the Swapo-led government under pressure. Government must now drive this process with utmost urgency and one that must be embraced by all Namibians. The fact that government, through the rule of law, makes provision for just compensation should be welcome relief, especially for absentee landlords who have overstayed their welcome. We want a situation whereby land is utilised productively. Of course given the current financial difficulties, both black and white farmers, are struggling to make ends meet. Coming up with cost-effective production methods is key and it is up to black farmers to take on the challenge, because they are also capable of becoming commercial agricultural producers. If not productively used, state-acquired land should be taken back.