Expropriation bill
De Lille offers clarity around new land bill
The law would allow land to be confiscated without compensation if its unused, abandoned, or poses a safety risk.
This bill is set to replace the current Expropriation Act of 1975 and it is a framework legislation that outlines how and when expropriation of land can take place.
The Public Works Ministry is working on adding a section to the Expropriation Bill that will cover the circumstances under which land expropriation can take place.
The bill currently does not provide for expropriation without compensation, but rather 'just and equitable' compensation.
During a meeting on Thursday, Contralesa and the EFF agreed that the state must be the overall custodian of land in the country.
Committee co-chair Vincent Smiths says they underestimated the interest from South Africans on the issue of expropriation of land without compensation.
Committee chairperson Vincent Smith says the hearings which will be hosted at venues across the country over the next month are open to all South Africans.
Masondo says the ANC’s resolution on this matter hints at what type of land could be targeted for uncompensated expropriation.
AgriSA’s Annelize Crosby says they have warned government that the bill which could ban foreign nationals from buying agricultural land must not be passed.
Cosatu says the bill should prohibit any compensation of individuals whose property was acquitted during apartheid.
The president said Parliament failed to facilitate adequate public participation during the processing of the bill.
The president has also appealed to land claimants not to opt for financial compensation rather than land.
Jacob Zuma received petitions urging him not to sign the bill as proper procedure wasn’t followed.
President Jacob Zuma has asked Parliament to advise him on the processes followed.
The DA, agricultural union TAU SA and the Institute of Race Relations have written to President Zuma.
The party’s spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi says land must be expropriated without compensation.
The ANC has hailed yesterday’s passing of the Expropriation Bill as historic.
It will replace the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975 and has been hailed by ANC.
The NCOP passed the Bill last week with the support of all provinces except for the Western Cape.