Cape Town – The DA in the Western Cape is reportedly urging residents to vote against the Land Expropriation Bill, claiming that it poses a threat to the economy.
Public comments on the bill are expected to be heard in various districts, with finalisation scheduled for June in Cape Town.
The bill, which was passed by Parliament last year and is now open for public participation, has drawn criticism from the DA, which argues that it will discourage foreign investors from investing in the country, EWN reported.
“This is a concern as foreign investment is vital for economic growth and job creation. Property rights are the cornerstone of any economy and forms part of basic human rights,” the report quoted DA’s Matlhodi Maseko as saying.
According to Daily Maverick, the Expropriation Bill, South Africa’s third attempt to replace apartheid legislation, has faced controversy and delays regarding a constitutional amendment for expropriation without compensation.
The latest draft of the bill, presented in late 2020, permits expropriation for “public purpose” and the “public interest”, aligning with section 25 of the Constitution, known as the property clause.
However, the new draft introduces the possibility of “nil compensation” in certain cases, such as abandoned land, state land, or land held for speculative purposes, in addition to the requirement of “just and equitable compensation”, the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
