South African’s National Liberation Movement

Media Statements

AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS WELCOMES THE HISTORIC SIGNING OF THE EXPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

The African National Congress (ANC) warmly welcomes the historic signing of the Expropriation Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a significant milestone in South Africa’s transformation agenda. This development repeals the outdated Expropriation Act of 1975 and brings legislation in line with the transformative spirit of the Constitution, which prioritizes social justice and equitable access to resources.

The signing of this Bill reflects the ANC’s continued implementation of resolutions adopted at the 54th and 55th National Conferences, as well as the commitments outlined in the ANC’s 2024 Election Manifesto. This momentous achievement reinforces the ANC’s dedication to addressing the persistent legacy of colonial dispossession and apartheid spatial planning, ensuring that the land and resources of South Africa are used to benefit the majority of its people.

The Expropriation Bill provides a framework to facilitate land reform in the public interest, creating opportunities for economic inclusion and development while ensuring that the rights of property owners are respected. It guarantees that expropriation is conducted fairly, justly, and with due process, ensuring alignment with Section 25 of the Constitution, which permits expropriation for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation.

The ANC views this law as a progressive and transformative tool to advance land reform in ways that enable inclusive economic growth and social cohesion. By unlocking access to land, the legislation will promote the development of sustainable human settlements, enhance agricultural productivity for emerging farmers, and enable urban land development to address spatial inequality. This is a direct response to the needs of millions of South Africans who have been excluded from land ownership and access to natural resources for far too long.

This law is a critical step towards fulfilling the vision articulated in the Freedom Charter, which declared, “The land shall be shared among those who work it.” It reflects the ANC’s commitment to achieving economic justice and creating a South Africa where all citizens enjoy equal access to the nation’s wealth and resources.

The ANC recognizes and appreciates the five-year journey of public consultations and parliamentary deliberations that have led to this milestone. The extensive engagement demonstrates the importance of collective efforts in shaping legislation that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people.This historic moment takes place as South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.

It serves as a reminder of the ANC’s enduring commitment to building a society that is inclusive, equitable, and prosperous. The Expropriation Bill represents a bold step forward in advancing the ANC’s transformative agenda and reaffirming our commitment to a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it.

The ANC calls on all sectors of society to support the implementation of this groundbreaking legislation and work together to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives of advancing social and economic transformation.

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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS.

Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri
National Spokesperson

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