MIDDELBURG – The demand for land ownership dominated a Youth Stakeholder Engagement session in Rockdale on Thursday, 3 September, as young people called for government assistance to access land for farming and other businesses.
The session formed part of the week-long Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, giving young people an opportunity to engage government departments, raise challenges and learn about development and economic opportunities.
During the engagement, young people said that while they appreciated the opportunities presented by various departments, the lack of access to land remained a major barrier to their economic participation.
“We hear about the opportunities that are available within different departments, but we as young people are interested in owning land so that we can do business and participate meaningfully in the economy of Steve Tshwete,” said Buthi Masombuka.
Another young person, Sarel Mtsweni, said he wanted to become a property developer but could not pursue the business without access to land.
“I want land. There is no way I can pursue this business without land,” said Mtsweni.
In response, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) highlighted support available to emerging farmers, including starter packs, seeds, tools and assistance with small-scale food production and backyard gardens.
Speaking to Highveld Chronicle, Jackson Malatjie, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities, said government should revisit Section 25 of the Constitution to address access to land.
“It is important for government to revisit the issue of Section 25, where land must be expropriated so that young people can own land and create employment and job opportunities in Steve Tshwete,” Malatjie said.
“Steve Tshwete is an urban area, not like other rural municipalities. As an urban area, we have municipal land that can be made available and given to the youth so that they can create jobs for themselves and for others.”
Malatjie said making land available to young people would enable them to participate in agriculture, create jobs and contribute to economic growth in the municipality.
