Public Works and Infrastructure Committee expects DA's Macpherson to implement Expropriation Act without reservation

CAPE TOWN - The chairperson of Parliament's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee says she expects minister Dean Macpherson to implement the Expropriation Act without reservation.

During a media briefing at parliament on Thursday, Carol Phiri said Macpherson was constitutionally mandated to do so, despite his public comments in opposition to expropriation without compensation.  

The promulgation of the act last week has given rise to yet another instance of African National Congress (ANC) parliamentary chairpersons clashing with Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers on policy matters.  

After President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the expropriation bill into law last week, Macpherson posted on his social media that he would not allow property to be expropriated without compensation despite the law allowing for this.  

READ: Macpherson appeals to South Africans not to be distracted by power plays

But Phiri said with the legislation having gone through all the mandatory parliamentary processes, the minister has no choice in the matter.  

"Whatever that he says, it's outside. That's his opinion. But to be honest it’s a constitutional mandate. "

The DA has declared a dispute within the Government of National Unity (GNU) over the act, with several other parties also indicating their displeasure.  

Meanwhile, in another matter over which Macpherson has clashed with Phiri, she has welcomed his independent investigation into an oxygen supply tender to hospitals by the Independent Development Trust.