The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found that there were no irregularities in the handling of the Orania land claim, which was finalised in 2006, that would justify further action.
This came to light on Wednesday during a briefing of the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development.
The Portfolio Committee had requested the SIU to report on all investigations concerning land restitution. The report covers investigations flowing from proclamations made between 2011 and 2017.
As a result of these investigations, transactions or administrative decisions amounting to more than R654 million have since been declared invalid.
One of the claims referred to the SIU for further investigation was the 2005 claim by former Orania residents who had to relocate in 1991 when the then Department of Water Affairs sold the land. Although the approximately 90 claimants never owned land in Orania, they argued that their relocation met the requirements for restitution.
The Orania community was not a party to the claim, as it only acquired the land afterwards.
The claim was settled by means of financial compensation and is, therefore, finalised. Apparently, it was later referred to the SIU to determine whether the entire process had been conducted lawfully.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) hopes that from now on, advocates of land reform will focus their attention on the Department and its shortcomings. And instead, approach Orania, which is a shining example of communal land ownership and community-driven economic development, to assist other communities in achieving similar goals.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to promoting the provisions of Section 235 of the Constitution and its realisation in communities such as Orania.
