Status on what steps has been put in place by the department to assist South African farmers in Zimbabwe.
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO: 158
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 19 OF 06 OCTOBER 2009
Quote:
Mr KS Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:
- What steps her department is taking to (a) assist South African farmers in Zimbabwe whose farms have been taken over by ZANU-PF officials to recover their farms, (b) ensure that the farmers receive fair compensation for their lost properties and (c) ensure their personal safety and security and that of their families?
REPLY:
(1) (a) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has through diplomatic channels engaged the Zimbabwean Government to intercede on behalf of the South African farmers. However, this engagement has been constrained by the absence of an investment protection mechanism between the two countries.
(b) The matter of compensation is negotiated between the affected farmer and the relevant Zimbabwean authorities. The applicable Zimbabwean law (Acquisition of Farm Equipment and Material Act (2004) provides that compensation is paid for improvements on land and equipment.
(c) In keeping with the provisions of international conventions and applicable South African legal instruments, the Department, on receipt of information that the life of a South African farmer is being threatened, engages through diplomatic channels with the relevant Zimbabwean authorities.
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