S. African president reiterates country's quest for land redistribution

PRETORIA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday reiterated the government's quest of land redistribution to bring about equity.

"We will intensify our struggle to return the land to the people and build an inclusive economy that benefits all South Africans. It is a struggle to eradicate the privileges of the few and to entrench human rights as the basis of our democratic dispensation," said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa was speaking at the funeral of former Cabinet Minister Zola Skweyiya and ANC (African National Congress) stalwart who passed away in a Pretoria hospital on April 11 after illness.

He stated that the late Skweyiya was a champion who always advocated for the wellbeing of the poor. Ramaphosa also said the late anti-apartheid hero also preached peace and rejuvenation of the ANC, the ruling party.

Ramaphosa said the death of one of the struggle stalwarts is a reminder for the ANC to return to its founding principles which Skweyiwa espoused.

He called on the ANC members to unite and "revitalize" the party and ensure that the poor are taken care of.

Ramaphosa also urged people to work towards ensuring that the people achieve economic freedom.

The ANC have stated that the expropriation of land without compensation should be done within the confines of the law and not negatively affect the economic growth.

In December 2017, the ANC at the national conference resolved to expropriate land without compensation.

The parliament is currently accepting inputs from the people about the change in the Constitution to enable expropriation without compensation. Enditem