IRR: Expropriation Bill unconstitutional
The Institute of Race Relations says the proposed Expropriation Bill is “unconstitutional” as it gives state organs the power to take ownership of any kind of property only by notice.
IRR spokesperson Mienke Steytler says the state can take ownership of a property without a court order.
“It gives the state power to take ownership of all forms of land by giving a notice to the owner without a court order confirming the validity of the expropriation,” she says.
The bill also gives the state the power to decide how much money it will compensate the landowner.
Although the bill allows owners to sue for more money, Steytler says the state “has the upper hand”.
“The notice will say owners only have two months to sue for more money. If they fail to do so the state will compensate the money as stipulated,” she says.
The bill is open for public debate and changes might be made depending on presentations made for or against it.
File Photo: Gallo images
To read the report by IRR click here .
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