Land Reform minister welcomes signing of Expropriation Bill into law
The Expropriation Bill replaces an old law and allows the state to acquire property that is in the public interest while ensuring just and equitable compensation.
Pan Africanist Congress President Mzwanele Nyhontso. Picture: Supplied/@MyPAConline on X.com
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Land Reform Mzwanele Nyhontso has welcomed the signing of the Expropriation Bill into law calling it a step in the right direction for the country.
The Expropriation Bill replaces an old law – and allows the state to acquire property that is in the public interest while ensuring just and equitable compensation.
READ: Ramaphosa signs Expropriation Bill into law
Nyhontso said while the bill is a positive move, it's the beginning of a long process to address the complex issue of land reform in South Africa.
He said the department recognises the Bill won't immediately solve the country's land problems, but it's a crucial step towards a more equitable future.
"It doesn't really assist us in terms of taking land to its rightful owners and distributing the land equitably to its people. You must still follow all the processes, you must still talk to the landowners, and you must still go to court. It's still going to be a very long process. It is not going to address what we want to address as far as land is concerned right now."