Steenhuisen says DA won’t back down on challenging constitutionality of Expropriation Act

CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says his party won’t back down on challenging the constitutionality of the Expropriation Act.

This is despite the party coming out in strong opposition to misinformation shared by US President Donald Trump on Sunday - that land grabs were happening in South Africa.

Steenhuisen said on Wednesday that while correcting misconceptions is important, it does not change the party’s policy on protecting property rights.

ALSO READ: Expropriation Act: ANC slams AfriForum for misinformation & fearmongering

He says while misinformation about the country’s expropriation laws must be countered before it leads to real-world consequences such as the cancellation of aid, preferential agricultural export markets and excessive tariffs – the party’s stance on the Expropriation Act is unambiguous.

"We will approach the courts arguing that this act is indeed procedurally and substantively unconstitutional."

While Steenhuisen says the DA will be able to ward off arbitrary action for now through its minister in the public works portfolio, this is not a long-term solution.

"The uncertainty causes huge problems to attract growth and jobs and to attract investment into the country. What we don’t need is another period of uncertainty and insecurity."

Steenhuisen says the act should be returned to Parliament to ensure it complies with Section 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees private property rights.