Public Works' Macpherson sets record straight on Trump's land grab claims in SA
Speaking at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday, Dean Macpherson repeated his commitment that no property would be expropriated without due process.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on 3 February 2025. Picture: @DeanMacpherson/X
CAPE TOWN - Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has set the record straight on misinformation from US President Donald Trump over his claims that land grabs are happening in South Africa.
From declaring a dispute within the Government of National Unity (GNU) over the enactment of the Expropriation Act just ten days ago, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is now rallying behind government in countering Trump's false claims.
Speaking at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday, Macpherson repeated his commitment that no property would be expropriated without due process.
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DA leader John Steenhuisen slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa in January for signing the Expropriation Bill into law without prior consultation with GNU partners.
Since the bill was first introduced to Parliament in 2020, the DA has held the view that it’s unconstitutional and has repeatedly said it would subject it to legal review.
But on Monday, Steenhuisen rallied behind government to counter a threat from the US to cut foreign aid to the country’s health sector, stressing that the legislation does not allow for the arbitrary confiscation of property or land.
Macpherson has also moved to assure investors that section 25 of the Constitution guarantees fair compensation.
"As the minister responsible for this bill, I am also committed to ensuring that it is constitutional and that there will be no arbitrary dispossession of land or property in South Africa."
Macpherson said he would not allow any actions that were not enshrined in law.
"Property rights are not just about protecting investments but they are also about ensuring the rule of law is upheld in all sectors of society and that every South African is able to build a future where their property is protected."
Macpherson said he was already been in talks with other ministers on a united response to the US government.