23 January 2025

The ANC Parliamentary Caucus welcomes and applauds the signing of the Expropriation Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Expropriation Bill annuls the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975. The newly signed law aligns with the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The law enables organs of state with the executing authority to expropriate land for public purpose and in the public interest.

It is not surprising that legislation faces criticism from groupings that benefited from the old Expropriation Act of 1975 and institutionalised racism and exploitation. The ANC Caucus congratulates the members of parliament who worked tirelessly for five years on public consultation, parliamentary deliberation, and aligning the legislation with Section 25 of the Constitution.

We believe that this law represents a balanced perspective in protecting the rights of the expropriated holder and the public interest. We are confident that this law will make a significant contribution to promoting inclusivity and access to the national grievance of land as government can use this legislation to expropriate land for development and the betterment of the lives of the dispossessed and marginalised.

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. 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.

The ANC Caucus pays tribute to the ANC MPs and other parties in the 6th term and all those who voted in favour of the Expropriation Bill. We believe that the act represents the aspirations of the majority of South Africans, as it enables radical economic transformation and inclusive economic growth.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC, Cde Mdumiseni Ntuli

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