South Africa:President signs land seizure law

Despite the end of apartheid over three decades ago, the vast majority of farmland remains in the hands of the white minority, with Black citizens still owning only a small portion.

Is allowance instantly strangers applauded

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted a law permitting the state to seize land without compensating owners, a decision that has sparked both support and opposition within the country's political landscape.

Despite the end of apartheid over three decades ago, the vast majority of farmland remains in the hands of the white minority, with Black citizens still owning only a small portion. This disparity has fueled frustration over the slow progress of land reform efforts.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has welcomed the new legislation as a crucial step toward addressing historical injustices and transforming land ownership. However, some members of the coalition government have raised concerns, with plans to challenge the law in court.

According to government statements, the law provides a clear framework for expropriation, specifying the conditions under which land can be seized. It replaced the 1975 Expropriation Act, which required the state to compensate landowners based on a “willing seller, willing buyer” principle.

The new legislation permits expropriation without compensation only when it is deemed "just and equitable" and serves the public interest. Examples include cases where land is abandoned, not being utilized for development or economic gain, or poses a risk to the community.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that the law prohibits arbitrary expropriation and ensures that authorities must first attempt to negotiate with property owners before proceeding.

The passage of the law follows a five-year public consultation process and recommendations from a presidential advisory panel.

However, not all political groups are on board. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU), has strongly opposed the law and is considering legal action. While the party supports land restitution, it argues that the parliamentary process used to pass this legislation was flawed.

The Freedom Front Plus, which advocates for white minority rights and is also part of the coalition, has vowed to contest the law’s constitutionality. The party views it as a potential threat to private property rights and pledges to push for amendments if necessary.

Outside the coalition, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), known for their radical stance on land redistribution, have criticized the law, dismissing it as a weak compromise by the ANC.