Public Outraged as President Ramaphosa Signs Expropriation Bill into Law
Johannesburg – The Expropriation Bill, recently signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has triggered significant backlash, with numerous political parties condemning it for failing to sufficiently reclaim land without compensation. At least one party has threatened to pursue legal action, claiming the legislation is in conflict with the constitution.
Following the enactment of the Expropriation Bill, which replaces the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975 and outlines the circumstances under which state entities may seize land for the public good, several parties have voiced their concerns.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest member of the Government of National Unity, announced on Friday its intention to challenge the Bill in court.
“The DA views President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law as an extremely serious matter,” Willie Aucamp, DA spokesperson, stated in a communication released to EFE.
“This is a direct assault on the constitutional rights of South Africans.
“We have acquired legal counsel indicating that the Expropriation Bill is unconstitutional. We will oppose this hazardous legislation through all available channels, including the courts.”
Additional parties opposing the Bill include the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, which criticized it as a “completely ineffective piece of legislation.”
During a segment on state-owned SABC TV news, MK Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi asserted that the Bill is simply African National Congress (ANC) rhetoric intended to “deceive the public.”
John Hlophe, the newly appointed MK Parliamentary leader, stated that his party plans to work within the legal framework to advocate for amendments to the Constitution that allow for “expropriation without compensation.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) characterized the passage of the Expropriation Bill as a “cop-out.”
The EFF expressed on X: “The Expropriation Act is a legislative cop-out by the ANC, merely used to mislead our citizens into believing that the party is addressing the urgent and longstanding land issues this country faces.”
“It will not contribute to resolving the land restitution crisis in our nation, which has drained state resources compensating white settlers who unlawfully occupy our land.”
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed profound disappointment regarding President Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the Expropriation Bill into law.
“This Bill, which allows for expropriation without compensation in specific situations, betrays the hopes of the South African populace, who have long demanded genuine land reform through uncompensated expropriation,” the ATM stated.
In his announcement on Thursday, President Ramaphosa defended the controversial Bill, asserting: “This law will empower all governmental bodies – local, provincial, and national – to expropriate land for the public interest for various reasons.”
He emphasized that authorities at all levels will utilize this legislation to reclaim land for the public good, seeking to enhance inclusivity and access to natural resources.
Supporting the legislative action, the GOOD Party expressed its approval regarding the President’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law.
GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron noted that historical land dispossessions during colonialism and apartheid remain a significant driver of the pervasive inequality faced in South Africa today.
“The vast majority of citizens, long excluded from land ownership, continue to be unable to enter the property market due to financial constraints,” Herron elaborated.
“This exclusion from property ownership limits their ability to leverage assets for financing options, perpetuating their economic marginalization.
“It’s a cruel and ongoing cycle.”
Addressing concerns about expropriation, Herron referred to a Constitutional Court ruling from 23 years ago that stated: “No individual may be deprived of property except in accordance with a law of general application, and no law may allow for arbitrary property deprivation.”
Herron added: “We fully endorse the enactment of the Expropriation Bill.”
