SA closer to establishing its first-ever Land Court
Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola says the country’s proposed Land Court will ensure stronger judicial oversight over land claims.
Lamola briefed the media on Cabinet’s approval of the Land Court Bill on Monday.
The bill, which proposes the establishment of the court, will now be introduced in Parliament.
“For instance, the bill allows for hearsay evidence for most families who have to rely on oral history and the existence of elders with knowledge of the description, location, and extent of land which their descendants previously occupied.
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“It also allows for expert evidence regarding the historical and anthropological facts relevant to any particular land claim.”
The new court will be granted the same status as the High Court.
"The panel recommends that the land court include the appointment of a permanent judge president and four permanent judges," Lamola said.
The Land Court Bill is the outcome of deliberations by the inter-ministerial committee on land reform, which was chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza.
