The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Mr Mmusi Maimane, visited Amsterdam on Saturday, 25 August.
The purpose of the visit was to tackle the controversial land issue which has gripped the whole country.
The DA leader met with a large number of traditional leaders from various communities in the region where they discussed ongoing and unresolved issues around land, as well as according to him, the lack of recognition of many of the chiefs on their own land.
Mr Maimane did not mince his words and said the ruling party does not have the will to resolve the issue of land in the area with land claims registered 20 years ago in 1988 being no closer of being resolved.
The DA leader did, however, concede that this was partly because of the complex land issue dating back when the border between South Africa and Swaziland was drawn up.
“Many land claims in our country are complex, we cannot allow this to deter us in our efforts to return the land to the people with a rightful claim,” Mr Maimane said.
On the issue regarding land reform and land restitution, Mr Maimane told the crowd gathered in Amsterdam to forget what the ruling party says.
“Forget about President Ramaphosa’s promises and commitments. Words mean nothing until you put them into action.
“And when judged on their actions, it is clear that this ANC government has no desire to give these communities ownership of their land.”
Mr Maimane went on to say that land reform is about addressing injustice and restoring dignity and recognising culture and history.
The leader also warned people that over the next year they will hear many stories from the ruling party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and that the public must not confuse an election strategy with a workable plan.
“If you are serious about real land ownership with a title deed, there is only one party fighting in your corner and that party is the DA,” Mr Maimane concluded.
