The
S outher n C ross
June 27 to July 3, 2018
reg No. 1920/002058/06
No 5090
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PRICE: r10 (incl VaT rSa)
The theological formation of Pope Francis
Fossil fuels: There’s no time to lose
Where we find water in the Bible
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Page 7
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Church backs ‘many voices’ on land issue By eriN carelSe
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HE Church is deeply conscious of the extent of land hunger in South Africa, and of the need for a just resolution of the problem, and welcomes the committee tasked with holding public hearings on the land question in parliament and around the country, which will offer “as many people as possible the opportunity to express their views”. This is according to the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO), the body of the bishops’ conference which liaises between the Church and parliament/government, commenting on issues of public policy, and making submissions on legislation. The CPLO, in its submission to the Joint Constitutional Review Committee, states that the Catholic Church recognises that land reform is not just a matter of distributive justice—ensuring that land is fairly and equitably shared to address poverty and inequality—but also one of restitutive justice, in undoing, as far as possible, the wrongful seizure of land by formerly dominant sections of society. The Church believes it is crucial to approach the land question on the basis of firm evidence, rather than assumed facts; and not to make the mistake of thinking there is any simple “silver bullet” to solve the problem quickly and without potentially serious side-effects.
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he CPLO also commented on whether or not Section 25 of the Constitution should be, or needs to be, amended to allow for expropriation of land without compensation. “As a religious organisation, we hesitate to express a firm view on whether or not the Constitution needs to be amended. “We are aware that there is a range of expert legal opinion on the question and have noted the view that an amendment is not necessary, and that Section 25 of the Constitution, as it stands, allows for such expropriation. “We are also aware of arguments that factors such as lack of capacity in government departments, poor planning and leadership, and corruption are primarily responsible for the slow pace of land reform,” the submission said. If a constitutional amendment can con-
tribute to real progress in meeting people’s needs where land is concerned and can avoid further lengthy delays, then it may well be the preferable option, the CPLO said. It added that the gravity of the situation requires concerted action from the country’s political leadership, but at the same time, a careful and well-thought-out approach. “Accordingly, we commend this committee on its decision to hold public hearings. This is participatory democracy at its best.” The submission notes that the assertion that expropriation of land without compensation is necessary, seems to imply that the requirement to pay compensation has been a serious obstacle to land reform. Whether this is, in fact, the case is, once again, a matter on which the advice of experts is required. “We are aware of reports that some landowners have selfishly inflated the asking prices of their properties, thereby frustrating government’s attempts to acquire land for purposes of redistribution.” On the other hand, the CPLO notes that it is also argued that nothing in the Constitution or in other legislation obliges the state to pay market-related prices for land it acquires for redistribution; neither is the “willing-buyer, willing-seller” principle required by law—it is merely a policy stance adopted by government, which could very simply be dropped. Even if it is agreed that expropriation without compensation is a correct and justifiable thing to do, its potentially serious negative effects must be taken into consideration. The Church notes that President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated many times that expropriation without compensation will be carried out in a way that does not endanger food security, harm investor confidence, or destabilise the economy. In conclusion, the submission states that the Catholic Church wishes the committee well, and urges it not to be distracted by the loudest voices. The Church adds that it is vitally important that the widest possible range of views is heard, and that those of the poorest and most vulnerable people be particularly attended to.
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archbishop of Durban cardinal Wilfrid Napier was spotted watching the 2018 comrades Marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on a camping chair alongside the route, and is seen sharing his pancakes with young James Turner. (Photo: Megan Donachie)
World Cup’s Catholic founder By Mary rezac
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N estimated 3,2 billion people the world over are tuning in to watch the 2018 World Cup, the international football tournament founded by a Catholic man from a small village in France. Jules Rimet was born in 1873 in the small village of Theuley in eastern France to a modest family; his father was a grocer, and when Jules was just 11, they relocated to Paris in search of better work. Rimet’s background, as well as his devout Catholic faith, heavily influenced his view of the world. Even after becoming a successful lawyer, he had a heart for the poor. Rimet was inspired by the Church’s social teachings, particularly Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, and helped found an organisation providing social and medical aid to the poor. He also loved sport and believed it could unite people across race and class. At the age of 24, he founded a sports club called Red Star, open to anyone regardless of class. He insisted that the club include football, even though at the time it was looked down on as being for only Englishmen and the lower class. In 1904, Rimet helped found the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Inter-
S outher n C ross Pilgrimage
5-17 May 2019
HOLY LAND & ROME Led by Fr Russell Pollitt SJ with
Günther Simmermacher, author of The Holy Land Trek For more information or to book, please contact Gail at info@fowlertours.co.za or phone/WhatsApp 076 352-3809
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national Federation of Association Football, or FIFA), though World War I delayed his plans of hosting an international tournament. In 1921 Rimet became president of FIFA, and remains the longest-serving president to date. Seven years later, he was able to hold the first World Cup, in Uruguay. He carried the now-famous Jules Rimet trophy on board a ship to South America in his bag. Rimet served as FIFA’s president until 1954, and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1956 for founding the World Cup. In the book A History of Football in 100 Objects, his grandson Yves remembered his grandfather as a “humanist and idealist, who believed that sport could unite the world”.—CNA