Macpherson: No land expropriation without compensation
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says there will be no expropriation of private property without compensation on his watch.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial Expropriation Bill into law on Thursday.
The bill, which repeals the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975, has undergone a five-year process of public consultations and parliamentary deliberation, aligns legislation on expropriation with the Constitution.
According to the act, authorities must negotiate with property owners and use mediation or courts to resolve disputes.
Macpherson stated on the social media platform, X, that the guarantee of property rights under Section 25 of the Constitution is not up for debate and is non-negotiable.
He added that anyone who claims to speak on behalf of the department is merely sharing opinion and only ministers implement acts and regulations.
Macpherson is the first minister to publicly react to the bill being signed into law.
In terms of the law, only Ministers implement Acts and regulations. Anyone who claims to speak for the department is just giving an opinion.
— Dean Macpherson MP (@DeanMacpherson) January 24, 2025
As the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, there will be NO expropriation of private property without compensation on my watch. The guarantee of property rights under Section 25 of the Constitution is not up for debate and is non-negotiable.
— Dean Macpherson MP (@DeanMacpherson) January 24, 2025
The bill sets out, among others, how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.
The DA, a partner in the Government of National Unity, ActionSA and lobby group AfriForum are now considering court action as they claim the government has declared war on private property owners.
AfriForum's Ernst van Zyl said the government of national unity has declared war on private property owners.
“AfriForum vows to launch substantial legal action to protect property launch in an event they are targeted by the government for expropriation without compensation." van Zyl said.
ActionSA is also threatening legal action.
The party's Matthew George believes existing legislation could be used, but admits this will require dedicated leaders.
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