The ad hoc committee constituted to initiate and introduce legislation amending Section 25 of the Constitution announced on Monday that the public hearings regarding the controversial land expropriation without compensation bill had been postponed in the face of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
According to government news portal, SANews, committee chairperson Mathole Motshekga said they had decided to suspend all future hearings with immediate effect following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to prohibit gatherings of over 100 people.
“Up to now we have seen hundreds of people attending each session at the public hearings. It is clear the need for land is urgent and huge crowds attend,” he said.
“In light of this, we are mindful of not exposing more South Africans to Covid-19.”
The committee was set to hold a hearing in parliament today, but that has also been postponed until further notice. – Bjorn Vorster