DA leader John Steenhuisen briefing the media on the DA’s stance on the signing of the Expropriation Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
(The Post News)- President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Expropriation Bill into law. The landmark legislation replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act, aligning South Africa’s expropriation framework with constitutional principles. While the bill provides for land expropriation in the public interest with “just and equitable” compensation, critics claim it undermines property rights and threatens economic stability.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has emerged as the bill’s most vocal opponent, citing concerns over constitutionality, economic impact, and procedural fairness. DA leader John Steenhuisen sharply criticized the move, accusing the ANC of bypassing coalition agreements. “Any coalition is founded on an agreement,” said Steenhuisen. “Had we sat down and discussed this, the bill could have been sent back to Parliament to address its flaws. Instead, the ANC pushed ahead unilaterally. This threatens the coalition’s balance and unity.”
Steenhuisen’s remarks come just days after the DA formally declared a dispute with its governance partner, accusing the ANC of sidelining GNU principles. The DA’s national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, confirmed plans to challenge the law in court. “We believe this act is unconstitutional and an attack on the rights of South Africans,” Aucamp said. “Our legal team has been instructed to draft court papers to halt its implementation.”
The DA’s Dean MacPherson, who serves as Minister of Public Works, expressed his dilemma: “I provided the President with a comprehensive legal opinion outlining constitutional issues. Despite this, he concluded the bill meets constitutional muster. My duty now is to serve my party and uphold the Constitution.”
The bill, effective December 5, requires expropriating authorities to negotiate with property owners before expropriation. Disputes may be referred to mediation or courts. However, fears persist that traditional lands under monarchs or chiefs could be affected, despite the bill’s lack of explicit provisions on such lands.
The GNU cabinet is expected to meet this week, marking the first gathering of coalition leaders since the bill’s signing. Whether the coalition can weather this storm remains uncertain, with calls for a “reset” in relations growing louder.
The Expropriation Act is set to take effect on December 5, but with court challenges looming, its implementation may face significant delays.
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