Minister of Public Enterprises Alec Erwin and Alexkor signed a land restitution deal with the Richtersveld community on Sunday, said the department of public enterprises. "This unlocks any unnecessary delays in restoring rights and the payment of compensation to the community," said department spokeswoman Vimla Maistry. "This will now enable the community to exercise their rights as landowners with respect to the future land mining activities of the area." Maistry said the "momentous" agreement followed nearly 10 years of extensive negotiations and consultations. She said further details would be provided later after the Community Property Association leaders had reported back to the community and certain formal processes have been completed within the government.

Sapa