The regional branch of Swapo will urge that Farm Kalkpan near Gobabis be expropriated as part of a series of proposals on land and labour to come before Cabinet next Tuesday.

Cabinet Secretary Frans Kapofi yesterday told The Namibian the submission is expected to be forwarded to Cabinet on Thursday this week.

Labour Permanent Secretary Calle Schlettwein told The Namibian that his Minister will also present a submission to Cabinet on the implications of the eviction of workers and their families on labour relations.

Swapo's expropriation proposal will be presented by the Governor of Omaheke region Laura McLeod to the Lands Minister Hifikepunye Pohamba this week.

The ruling party's Regional Co-ordinator in Omaheke, Festus Ueitele, said they wanted the farm to be seized according to the Constitution, which says "just compensation" must be paid.

Kilus Nguvauva, Swapo Councillor for the Steinhausen constituency in Omaheke, said yesterday that the interests of the farmworkers, some of whom were dumped by the roadside, overrode those of the owner, Dirk van Wyk, and manager Ron Pieterse. Pieterse took over management of Kalkpan after his father-in-law Van Wyk became ill.

After angry demonstrators, marshalled by the Swapo Youth League, occupied the farm for several hours last Thursday, Pieterse allowed the evicted families to return to the farm until Government has found them a place to stay.

Nguvauva said Government did not have an open farm to settle landless people on and expropriation might be the only solution.

"We want the problem to be solved quickly so that it can be an example to others [white farmers]," he added

The situation at the farm was reported to have returned to normal after the Police on Friday prevented a group of Swapo supporters from forcing their way onto the land for a second time.

Police Warrant Officer Baron Freyer said relations between the evicted families and Pieterse have improved.

"The Governor talked to the people who are very happy. There is no need for Police officers on the farm," said Freyer.

However, Pieterse told The Namibian that he will sue McLeod and Nguvauva as he accused them of being responsible for the damage caused to his property during the occupation of the farm on Thursday.

Swapo supporters allegedly slashed the tyres of several vehicles and broke a window in the house.

"We have made a civil case and my lawyer has already instituted the claims," he added.

Although the families have been allowed back on the farm, Pieterse said the eviction order granted by the Gobabis Magistrate's Court last week still stands and the fate of the families depended on the outcome of discussions between the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Lands Ministry.

The NAU, as a mediator, is expected to meet Pohamba to discuss the Kalkpan eviction today.

"From my side we have handed our assessment of the situation to the Minister on what has happened but otherwise I cannot comment on the issue until I have hear from the Minister," said NAU President Jan de Wet.

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