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Over the past few years, a controversial topic, land expropriation without compensation, was recently put to rest at the National Assembly. However, after what can only be described as a bizarre statement from the ANC, it would appear the topic is back on the table.
In December 2021, the Newcastillian – Online News reported that the ANC and EFF were fuming that the Bill authorising compulsory acquisition without compensation was not passed at the National Assembly.
To read the full article, click here.
However, despite its inability to secure the necessary support, the ANC intends to proceed with the Bill regardless. A decision that is sure to cause national and global concerns.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted on Saturday, 8 January 2021, during the ANC’s 110th anniversary, that central to the ANC’s formation was the need for a united response to widespread colonial land dispossession.
However, according to an article in City Press, the government currently owns millions of hectares of land. Land, one would think, would be the focus of development considering the sheer volume available.
Please see below the infographic for your guidance.
Nevertheless, Ramaphosa said, “Redressing this historical injustice and returning the land to the people is a critical component of the ANC’s fight for social justice and the elimination of the vast inequalities created by apartheid. Such land reform will promote economic development for the benefit of all.”
One component of this effort, according to the President, is the implementation of the ANC’s 54th National Conference resolution on land expropriation without compensation.
“The implementation of this resolution will continue despite the refusal of other parties in Parliament to support the proposed amendment of section 25 of the Constitution,” Ramaphosa stated.
Ramaphosa noted that the ANC would work through their elected public representatives to finalise legislation such as the Expropriation Bill, the Land Court Bill, and various other instruments.
This is to ensure more land is returned to the people and at a much faster rate.
This is consistent with the statement made by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola in December 2021. At the time, he noted that changing the constitution was only one tool available to the ruling party.
“The matter is now ended. We will now use our simple majority to pass laws that will allow for expropriation without compensation.”
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola
Statements like these make foreign investors and South African residents shiver. What does the future hold if this is the approach to governance and the fragile democratic constitution serving a rainbow nation?
In a democracy trying to correct past injustices, the government must not create new injustices to be remedied in the future. For all, a stable, functional and profitable country has to be the goal of a ruling party, or else democracy submits to dictatorship.
What are your thoughts on this? Share your views in the comment section below.
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