The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed alarm at the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) efforts to press ahead with its agenda to expropriate land without compensation through the incorporation of “nil compensation” into Section 12 of the Expropriation Bill, after its failure to pass the Constitution 18th Amendment Bill. 

The Constitution 18th Amendment Bill aimed at amending Section 25 of the Constitution to permit the expropriation of land without compensation.

Public hearings regarding the Expropriation Bill will be held in Gauteng. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.

The party encourages residents to participate in the public hearings on the Bill.

The party highlighted the economic harm that the Bill engenders as private property would be affected. 

“The current Bill will deter investment, restrict growth and worsen the unemployment crisis,” noted DA Shadow Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC Alan Fuchs.

In detailing the consequences of the current Bill, Fuchs suggested that the ANC was being disingenuous by proclaiming to citizens that nil compensation would only be offered under specific circumstances. 

“All South Africans will find themselves vulnerable to expropriation, for zero or inadequate compensation, by hundreds of cash-strapped municipalities and other organs of State. It is not just land and buildings but also intangible assets that may be expropriated,” he said.

Despite the constitutionality of the Bill, the DA has noted the vague nature of the clauses which could be susceptible to government misconduct.