Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law has sparked widespread controversy, with opposition parties and organisations vowing legal action.
The Bill aims to address land inequality by enabling land expropriation without compensation in the public interest.
The DA, AfriForum, ActionSA, and the Cape Independence Advocacy Group criticised the Bill, citing threats to private property rights, economic stability, and investor confidence.
They argue that the legislation introduces uncertainty, fear, and risks of capital flight.
“The DA will challenge the Expropriation Bill, signed into law by Ramaphosa. While the DA recognises that the Constitution allows for acts of redress and restitution, we have reservations about the procedure and aspects of the Bill.
🚨 The DA will challenge the Expropriation Bill, signed into law by Ramaphosa.
While the DA recognises that the Constitution allows for acts of redress and restitution, we have reservations about the procedure and aspects of the Bill. Our legal team will now formulate our case. pic.twitter.com/BfjGaL6979
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) January 23, 2025
“Our legal team will now formulate our case,” said the DA.
AfriForum and ActionSA pledged to oppose the law, warning against destructive policies.
[LISTEN] Afriforum’s Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl says the Expropriation Bill shouldn’t have been signed into law because there are serious flaws that open the door to expropriation without compensation
🔗https://t.co/AONVfYpFHP#sabcnews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/6pIDuF7JcF
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 24, 2025
Conversely, RISE Mzansi welcomed the Bill, emphasising its potential to promote spatial justice and public housing.
[MEDIA STATEMENT]
RISE Mzansi welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the Expropriation Bill –passed by the 6th Parliament – into law, therefore repealing the Expropriation Act of 1975 and harmonising expropriation legislation with Section 25 of the Constitution.… pic.twitter.com/LRpuf88YeF
— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) January 23, 2025
The ANC defended the legislation, highlighting its goal to redress historical injustices, promote economic inclusion, and respect property owners’ rights.
“Contrary to the propaganda and fear mongering, this law is not an attack on certain groups. It is rather about inclusion and recognises the diversity and historical injustices suffered by the majority of black South Africans under colonialism and apartheid,” said the ANC in a statement.
ANC PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS WELCOMES THE SIGNING OF THE EXPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW pic.twitter.com/ntScY5568N
— ANC Parliament (@ANCParliament) January 23, 2025
The Bill remains a polarising issue, with legal and political battles expected to shape its implementation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu