The SIU report on Land Reform referred-to in media reports was concluded and handed over to the Presidency by the Special Investigations Unit. Concurrently, as investigations by the Special Investigations Unit were ensuing between 2011 and 2018, referrals were made to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) with recommendations on action to be taken against officials who are alleged to have committed misconduct, fraud and corruption.
The Department of Rural development and Land Reform has adhered to the recommendations of the Special Investigations Unit and we have since 2012 instituted disciplinary actions. These disciplinary processes are at various stages with most of them concluded and sanctions made against the officials. 8 officials were dismissed, 5 officials could not be disciplined because the department did not have jurisdiction over them; 2 official retired and 1 resigned, 5 were awarded sanctions of final written warnings,1 was medically unfit to go through the process and 6 cases are still pending.
One official is serving 10 years in prison for fraud and corruption
In relation to the farms forfeited through the fraud and corruption activities, 58 farms worth R150 million have been returned to the state and a further 37 is under curatorship awaiting investigations to be concluded. Upon conclusion of this process, the 37 farms will be returned to the state as well.
The programme under which this fraud and corruption took place was discontinued in 2010 and a new policy framework has since been introduced. The department is continuously assessing, monitoring, evaluating and strengthening its internal controls including improvement of policies to ensure that the land reform processes become more efficient and effective.
The department would like to reiterate and assure the public that it is fairly equipped to legally and fairly deal with all land reform processes now and in the future. The Department reserves the right to comment further on other matters which are still sub judice.
Issued by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
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Further Enquiries may be directed: Ms Phuti Mabelebele (Spokesperson): Strategic Communications | Tel: +27 12 312 8909 | Cell: 076 402 7521, Email: Phuti.Mabelebele@drdlr.gov.za or for more information follow us on Twitter @DRDLR_, Facebook: Department of Rural Development and Land Reform or visit www.drdlr.gov.za
