The signing of the Expropriation Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa has ignited heated debate, with political parties sharply divided over the move. While the ANC, GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi have welcomed the new legislation, opposition parties such as the DA, FF Plus, IFP, and the MK Party have rejected it, with some threatening legal action.
The bill, signed into law on Thursday, outlines how organs of state may expropriate land in the public interest for various purposes, a move that the government argues aligns with constitutional provisions.
DA leader John Steenhuisen is set to address the media on Saturday, outlining his party’s concerns about the act. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp stated, “Steenhuisen will outline the next steps in response to this deeply concerning development,” accusing the ANC of pushing an agenda to enforce controversial policies like the National Health Insurance.
FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald has announced plans to challenge the constitutionality of the law in the Constitutional Court. He stated that, if necessary, the party would push for an amendment bill to rectify any unconstitutional elements.
The IFP also condemned the signing of the bill, describing it as a threat to the “spirit of consensus and collaboration” central to the Government of National Unity (GNU) framework.
The controversy surrounding the Expropriation Bill highlights ongoing tensions over land reform and its potential impact on South Africa’s political and social landscape.
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