Renewed focus on land reform

In his state of the nation address President Thabo Mbeki has announced to reevaluate the the "willing-buyer willing-seller" policy. "Land reform and land restitution are critical to the transformation of our society. Accordingly, the state will play a more central role in the land reform programme, ensuring that the restitution programme is accelerated, further contributing to the empowerment of the poor, especially in the rural areas“, Mbeki noted. During 2006 the government would therefore review the "willing-buyer willing-seller" policy, land acquisition models and the possibility of price manipulation, and regulate conditions under which foreigners could buy land. "This will be done in line with international norms and practices," President Mbeki said. (The Business Day, Johannesburg)