President Cyril Ramaphosa made a strong statement on Thursday regarding the land issue in South Africa, amidst ongoing criticism from Washington on domestic property laws. He emphasized that the country will never witness forced removals like those seen in the past.
Reflecting on the pain and suffering caused by the Natives Land Act of 1913, President Ramaphosa highlighted the lasting impact it has had on millions of South Africans even after more than a century. The forced removal of over 3.5 million people by the apartheid regime in various areas across the country was described as one of the largest mass removals in modern history.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that many members of parliament have personal experiences of their families being forcibly removed from places like District Six, Sophiatown, and Marabastad. He stressed that the effects of these actions are still felt by millions of people in the country today, which is why his administration is committed to preventing any future forced removals.
In response to concerns over the Expropriation Act signed recently, which led to US President Donald Trump cutting funding to South Africa, President Ramaphosa defended the legislation. He emphasized that the Constitution prohibits arbitrary deprivation of property and ensures just and equitable compensation in cases of expropriation for public purposes.
Calling for national unity, Ramaphosa urged all population groups to work together in building the country and presenting a united front to the rest of the world. He cautioned against seeking external intervention in solving internal issues and encouraged finding local solutions to local problems.
The president’s comments were seen as a rebuke to groups like AfriForum, which have been lobbying foreign entities about perceived injustices in post-apartheid South Africa. Emphasizing the need for a common message from diverse voices in society, Ramaphosa urged unity in addressing challenges facing the nation.
Despite the challenges and external pressures, President Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his commitment to leading South Africa towards a brighter future. By emphasizing the importance of national unity and self-reliance, he aims to navigate the country through turbulent times and build a more inclusive and prosperous society for all its citizens.
