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Jul 15, 2008:
In what will be widely interpreted as a slap in the face for the termagant agriculture minister, Lulama Xingwana, President Thabo Mbeki has taken away from her the administrative responsibility for the strife-torn and rapidly failing Land Bank, and given it instead back to Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.
A statement issued jointly by the National Treasure and the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs said on Monday that section 97 of the constitution provides that the President, by proclamation, may transfer to a member of the cabinet the administration of any legislation entrusted to another member; or any power or function entrusted by the legislation to another member.
"The transfer is effective from today, 14 July 2008, and the handover process will be done, which will include the introduction of the Minister of Finance to the board of the Land Bank," the statement said.
It would be wrong and unfair to suggest that this move is a slap in the face for Xingwana, according to Mukoni Ratshitanga, the president's spokesman. "The question the government has to answer – which government asks every day – is how best do you realise your objectives."
Ratshitanga insisted that the falling out of the minister and the chairman of the bank, Themba Langa, which resulted in her firing him last week, had nothing to do with the president's decision.
Farmer organisations have long complained that the turmoil at the Land Bank has made it hard for new entrants to the industry to get hold of finance, and established farmers have been compelled to work with commercial banks.
Thoraya Pandy who speaks for the finance minister said that no detailed announcements would be made yet about what will happen in the Bank under its new master. "In the fullness of time, we will do due diligence," she said.
"And we will give a full comment later." – Michael Hamlyn, I-Net Bridge
