SONA2018
President Cyril Ramaphosa said government will accelerate the land redistribution programme to redress historical injustice, to bring more producers into the agricultural sector and to make more land available for cultivation. 
“Guided by the resolutions of the 54th National Conference of the governing party, this approach will include the expropriation of land without compensation,” said President Ramaphosa.
He said government is determined that expropriation without compensation should be implemented in a way that increases agricultural production, improves food security and ensures that the land is returned to those from whom it was taken under colonialism and apartheid.
Government will undertake a process of consultation to determine the modalities of the implementation of this resolution.
“We make a special call on financial institutions to partner with it in mobilising resources to accelerate the land redistribution programme as increased investment will be needed in this sector,” the President said.
He said agriculture presents one of the greatest opportunities to significantly grow South Africa’s economy and to create jobs.
Agriculture made the largest contribution by a significant margin to the improved growth of the country’s economy in the second and third quarters of 2017.
Growing the tourism sector
Tourism currently sustains about 700 000 direct jobs and is performing better than most other growth sectors.
“There is no reason why it can’t double in size. This year, we will enhance support for destination marketing in key tourism markets and take further measures to reduce regulatory barriers and develop emerging tourism businesses,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President called on all South Africans to open their homes and their hearts to the world.
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