The public has until 13 August 2021 on the new amendments regarding Section 25 of the Constitution related to expropriation without compensation. TLU SA urges any South Africans who care about the future of land in the country to use this opportunity.
“All South Africans and not just farmers must realise how important it is that the ANC does not implement these amendments,” says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, the president of TLU SA. “If the Constitution allows expropriation without compensation, all land will immediately lose its value. In addition, it will have a serious impact on the provision of food, foreign investment and the economy.”
According to Dr Corné Mulder of the Freedom Front Plus and a member of the ad hoc committee on these amendments, the ANC’s revisions on the draft bill published last year is quite far-reaching. For example, it entails that the government can expropriate land at nil compensation if it is earmarked for land reform. Further amendments suggest appointing the state as the custodian of certain land and legislation to determine the conditions for expropriation without compensation.
The ANC could open these amendments for comment because they have the majority in the committee. However, for it to be fully implemented, two-thirds of the parliament must support the draft amendment bill. Fortunately, the ANC lost their two-thirds majority in the previous election. Since the EFF wants to push through even more radical amendments the ANC won’t support, the EFF will not join the ANC’s campaign.
“We are grateful for the public participation thus far as it prevented the ANC to amend this part of the Constitution,” says Mr Geldenhuys. “The process is nearing its end, and if the EFF continues to stand against the ANC, it might just work to our advantage. But, this is politics, and nothing is certain until the final results. Therefore, people must comment to cement our cause.”
The public can comment at the following link: https://www.tlu.co.za/en/expropriation-bill/
Issued by: TLU SA
Date: 23 July 2021
Enquiries: Mr Henry Geldenhuys, President TLU SA, Cell.: 083 560 1273
Mr Bennie van Zyl, General Manager TLU SA, Cell.: 082 466 4470
