Amendments to the expropriation bill are not in South Africa’s interest and should be rejected.
TLU SA still adheres to the economic principles that dictate that anyone wishing to engage in economic activity must also accept responsibility for the consequences that come with it. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), and therefore, the focus on market-driven principles is more important than ideological principles driving a transformation agenda.
Property rights are the cornerstone of successful agriculture, regardless of the owner. Over the decades, the agricultural sector has proven in times of uncertainty and instability that it can provide much-needed stability and security to all South Africans. This has been confirmed once again in the past three to four years. It can be disastrous if short-term political or ideological aspirations seek to disrupt this stabilising yet sensitive sector, plunging generations of South Africans into misery and a survival crisis.
“We can’t help but think that the request to amend the expropriation bill is simply part of the ANC’s election campaign,” says Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager. The catastrophic reality of expropriation is prompting more responsible structures and organisations to voice their concerns. It is nothing more than certain politicians trying to use it as a pawn for their own benefit. Responsible South Africans understand the seriousness and importance of property rights.
The DA, VF Plus, IVP, and ACDP, along with many other groups and individuals, have also seen through the ANC’s potential hidden agenda and rejected the amendment because they believe it will allow for expropriation without compensation. Concern has also been expressed that the bill’s broad definition of property could lead to the state expropriating assets such as vehicles, pensions, trade names, and copyrights in the “public interest.” This would further damage investor confidence and harm South Africa’s economy, something the country cannot afford.
“TLU SA is pleased that other stakeholders are also recognising the red lights of the ANC’s overarching transformation policies. We expect them to strongly advocate for this in the lead-up to the election with the aim of winning voters,” says Van Zyl. “It is of paramount importance that every South African takes a stand. Expropriation without compensation affects everyone, not just farmers. Assets are not limited to land, and if these amendments are implemented, the end of private ownership in South Africa is in sight.”
Trade unions such as the South African Parastatals and Tertiary Institutions Union (SAPTU) are now also realising that pursuing ideology will have a negative impact on South Africa.
“TLU SA greatly appreciates SAPTU for bravely standing up in the interest of all South Africans and unequivocally confirming that amending the expropriation bill is not in the interest of South Africa’s economic growth,” says Van Zyl.
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