By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), ActionSA, and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), have announced their intention to challenge the Expropriation Bill, which was recently signed into law.
The Bill repeals the Expropriation Act of 1975 and establishes a new, unified framework for expropriation, in line with the Constitution. It aims to provide clear guidelines for the processes and procedures governing the expropriation of property by state organs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Bill into law on yesterday, stressing that the new framework requires authorities to engage in negotiations with property owners and use mediation or judicial processes to resolve disputes.
The DA has expressed serious reservations about two key aspects of the Bill. Party spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, elaborated on these concerns, highlighting potential risks and unintended consequences for property rights.
ActionSA’s Matthew George has emphasised that effective land reform can be achieved within the current legislative and regulatory framework, but requires strong political leadership committed to ensuring fair and equitable land distribution.
FF Plus leader Pieter Groeneweld has stated that the party will challenge the constitutionality of the Bill in the Constitutional Court, arguing that it undermines property rights and could lead to negative economic consequences.
Meanwhile African National Party (ANC) chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, said contrary to the propaganda and fear mongering, this law is not an attack on certain groups.
He said it is rather about inclusion and recognises the diversity and historical injustices suffered by the majority of black South Africans under colonialism and apartheid.
“It is also significant that expropriation of land may not be arbitrarily exercised. The expropriating authority must show that there was an unsuccessful attempt to reach an agreement with the owner or holder of a right in property for the acquisition thereof on reasonable terms,” Ntuli said.