Use the powers in the constitution

Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Use the constitution. This is the advice from Dave Steward, chairperson of the FW de Klerk Foundation, regarding South Africa's dilemma about land expropriation.

Steward addressed a meeting on the topic "Expropriation without compensation and the centrality of property rights" at the George Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, 8 October.

In the former political dispensation Steward was one of the most senior civil servants, being the chief of staff in President FW de Klerk's office and also secretary to the cabinet.

Steward gave an overview of the events leading up to the new political dispensation and the current situation, focusing on expropriation.

Steward said he was in a position to observe for 40 years.

Now, after 25 years of a new constitution, there still are challenges, such as sluggish economic growth and corruption.

He defended De Klerk's decision to get the ball rolling on 2 February 1990 for a new dispensation, saying that, if South Africa did not reach a settlement after the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the balances would have shifted against South Africa.

Watch a video below:

According to Steward, expropriation without compensation is currently one of the biggest threats that could affect agriculture and food security, among others. If handled correctly, land reform could be the most positive thing since 1994, but at the moment there is no clarity on land reform. If handled badly, it could be catastrophic.

He urged South Africans to use the powers in the constitution.

"We don't use them at the moment." The constitution provides for free political activity and freedom of speech, and the courts are independent, so citizens can protest and strike.

After the meeting he told the George Herald that he would advise people who consider leaving the country, to rather stay.

Dave Steward, chairperson of the FW de Klerk Foundation.