Minister Didiza, distinguished guests and participants, it is appropriate before we enjoy such a wonderful feast that we should begin by thanking the people responsible for the dinner and organization of this very important conference.
When USAID was approached by Director-General of Land Affairs Mayende to help finance work in South Africa by the University of Wisconsin's Land Tenure Center and to discuss land tenure reform issues, options, and opportunities, we did not realize it might culminate in a conference of this magnitude.
Dr. Mayende showed a grasp of the issues, an awareness of the alternatives and the process that would be necessary, and, most important, a desire and commitment to address the difficult problems concerning land tenure quickly.
It is a tribute to the vision and perseverance of the Minister and the DG that we are here today. They saw the critical importance of this issue to the future of South Africa, and they saw how vital it is that stakeholders and interested parties had a chance to discuss the issues involved.
This open discussion, involving people with widely divergent views as to how the problems could be solved, is also a tribute to a vibrant democratic process in South Africa. The process of putting this conference together has been telling! Ensuring all views were heard speaks highly about the Department.
Indeed this conference would not have been possible without the organizational efforts from the Department of Land Affairs, Chief Director for Land Reform Systems Vuyi Nxsana, and the main organizer for the conference, Theresa Yates. It is a shame that Theresa, having put so much effort into the conference could not attend. But being in the 9th month of her pregnancy, her doctors thought it best she remains in Gauteng. All the people we have been fortunate enough to encounter at the Department of Land Affairs have understood the importance of the issues and have made excellent contributions.
I also want to thank Jacci Conley and Mandla Mandlakazi from Nathan Associates who have coordinated so ably the USAID input, and also the entire staff of Event Dynamics who are ensuring a smoothly functioning conference, down to the smallest detail.
The Minister was right to ensure that in this conference we focus on what is best for the people involved and on how any changes in land tenure on traditional lands can benefit the people in a way that is sustainable. The emphasis of the Ministry is rightly on what can be done to alleviate rural poverty, now and into the future. This poverty must be reduced, jobs and income sources in rural areas must be found if South Africa is to meet its laudable objectives of improving the quality of life of all South Africans.
A key element that must be addressed in the mosaic is land tenure. It is a difficult issue, and perhaps many might prefer to avoid the issue and hope it just disappears.
But by your presence here, I believe that you all understand that land tenure is only one element in the process of improving the quality of life in rural areas. Attention must be paid to support services, infrastructure, education, rural businesses, marketing, and so on. Thus, it is pleasing to see that on Thursday you will address the issues of how to deliver the package of services in a way that complements and supports land tenure reform.
I feel that you are correct to address these issues plus those of the rights of workers and tenants on commercial lands, and to deal with these difficult issues in an open conference where the proceedings can be reported by a free media for even more discussion outside these halls.
South Africa has far too much rural poverty, ways must be developed that reduce poverty quickly and offer prospects for further decreases in the future. It is here that USAID has been pleased to be of some assistance. The University of Wisconsin's Land Tenure Center has been studying the topic for decades and helping governments and organizations interested to learn from what others have done: both successes and failures.
Learning from others is not the same thing as copying someone else's approach. South Africa is different from the other countries where I have served. We can share experiences and perspectives, but you will have to find a path that makes sense for South Africa and in South Africa.
I mentioned earlier how the process the Department of Land Affairs used to plan this conference -- being open and seeking input from the groups affected by changes in land tenure, showed the accomplishments South Africa has made in ensuring democratic change. The recently released draft act is going to please some and displease others. It is unfair to expect that this conference will be able to find some solution that will please all. Most proposals will have trade-offs that some will find acceptable and others not. But all views should be heard and we all hope that through this process of dialogue and discussion that a framework can emerge that is acceptable and doable now.
It is important that we all stay engaged in this open process of discussion and deliberation and remain focused doing what is best for the long term sustainable improvement in the quality of life of the rural poor.
Just as South Africa has showed the world how to undertake a peaceful transition from apartheid, we expect South Africa to again show the world how it will tackle and move forward on the land issue. I look forward to the solutions South Africa will develop, and to seeing how USAID can continue to be of some assistance.
Thank you.
Dr. Dirk W. Dijkerman, Mission Director, USAID Mission to South Africa
