ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula recently emphasized that South Africa’s Expropriation Act is a crucial step towards transformation and should not be misconstrued as a threat. In a press briefing at Luthuli House, Mbalula highlighted the importance of inclusive transformation, stating that it is a non-negotiable priority for the ANC.
The Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, allows for expropriation without compensation, sparking criticism from opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and trade unions like Solidarity and AfriForum. Despite the backlash, Mbalula reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to engaging with its government partners to clarify the rationale behind the Act.
Addressing concerns about the Act’s constitutionality, Mbalula emphasized that the Act is not a threat but rather a means to achieve inclusivity and accelerate land reform. He stressed that the Act outlines fair criteria for compensation and specifies the types of land that can be targeted for expropriation.
While some critics argue that the Act contradicts the Constitution’s provisions on property rights, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya assured that expropriation would only occur for public use or in the public interest. However, the DA accused Ramaphosa of neglecting consultation with coalition partners when signing the Act into law, violating the principles of the government of national unity.
In response to the controversy surrounding the Act, ANC national executive committee member Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule urged for a collective effort to educate the public about its objectives. She emphasized that the Act aims to expedite land reform, including land tenure, claims, and redistribution, as a critical component of the country’s transformation agenda.
Despite opposition claims of irregularities in the Act’s passing, Potgieter-Gqubule defended the legislation as a necessary step towards addressing historical land injustices and advancing social equity. She called for a collaborative approach involving the media, government, and political parties to dispel misinformation and foster a better understanding of the Act’s objectives.
Overall, the Expropriation Act represents a significant milestone in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive transformation and address historical land disparities. By engaging in constructive dialogue and promoting transparency, the government aims to ensure that the Act serves as a catalyst for positive change and socioeconomic development in the country.
