×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Change of venue for land expropriation hearings in Tshwane not as result of pressure‚ committee says

The venue for the hearings on the expropriation without compensation in Tshwane has been changed.
The venue for the hearings on the expropriation without compensation in Tshwane has been changed.
Image: Thulani Mbele

The joint constitutional review committee has refuted suggestions that its public hearings in Tshwane were moved as a result of pressure from any political party or civic organisation.

The committee is hearing public views into whether section 25 of the Constitution needs to be amended to allow for expropriation of land without compensation.

The committee said on Saturday that its only consideration in changing the venue for the hearings in Tshwane was to “create an environment that is conducive for fruitful hearings”.

“This decision was taken to ensure that the people coming to the hearings present their view in an environment that will ensure maximum productive participation‚” said Vincent Smith‚ co-chairperson of the committee.

He said it was also worth mentioning that the committee had received more people than it had expected at all the hearings held so far.

“It was thus important that a bigger venue that can cater for a larger group of people be found considering that the Tshwane hearings will be over a weekend‚” Smith emphasised.

“While the Committee acknowledges that the decision was taken later than it should have‚ it was assured by the Municipality (City of Tshwane) that measures will be put in place to transport people from the initial venue to the new venue. Furthermore‚ emergency communications initiatives were undertaken to make people and stakeholders aware of the venue change.

“The Committee remains confident that the change of venue will in no way adversely impact the hearings and that adequate measures have been put in place to mitigate any inconvenience that might have been caused by the change of venue‚” Smith said.

The joint constitutional review committee (CRC) will wrap up its provincial public hearings next week with both delegations holding hearings in the Western Cape. The committee also announced a bigger venue for the final day of its hearings.

“The committee decided to change the venue for the final provincial leg of the public hearings in order to accommodate as many people as possible in one venue. The new venue for the final provincial public hearings programme on Saturday‚ August 4 2018‚ attended by the full committee complement‚ will now be at the Friends of God Church in Goodwood‚ Cape Town‚” the committee said.

On Wednesday‚ a delegation will start with public hearings in Oudtshoorn before it moves to Beaufort West the next day. The other delegation will hold public hearings in Citrusdal on Thursday and in Swellendam on Friday.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.