Helen Zille Leads DA in Taking Expropriation Act to Court

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is challenging the Expropriation Act in court, following widespread international criticism of the law. Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Council Chairperson, has initiated legal action, emphasizing that the party has opposed the Bill since its introduction in 2018.
The Expropriation Act grants the state the power to seize land in the public interest, with strict conditions for expropriation without compensation. Zille argued that the law opens the door for potential misuse of power, allowing the government to take property without compensation in an arbitrary and unrestricted manner. She also stated that this conflicts with the DA’s policies and its understanding of the Constitution.
This is not the first time the DA has raised concerns about the law. John Steenhuisen, the DA’s Federal Leader, and Dean Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works, criticized the President for failing to inform them about the signing of the law. Although Macpherson is a DA member, his department is responsible for overseeing the Expropriation Act. He assured that no expropriation without compensation would take place while he holds his position.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has voiced significant concern regarding Trump’s executive order. They stated that the order is founded on inaccurate information, driven by misinformation and propaganda. In an official statement, DIRCO emphasized that the order misrepresents South Africa’s history and current situation.
The office of President Cyril Ramaphosa also released a statement clarifying that the Expropriation Bill does not amount to land confiscation. They argued that it establishes a lawful and fair system for land redistribution. The Presidency further explained that property can only be expropriated for public purposes or the public interest. Additionally, expropriation is only possible if an agreement cannot be reached with the property owner or rights holder on fair terms.
South Africa’s government pointed out that the Expropriation Act is similar to the United States’ concept of Eminent Domain. Zille’s actions have only served to add more confusion to the Democratic Alliance’s stance on the law. The DA’s position, particularly from Steenhuisen, appears to have shifted since the controversy surrounding Trump’s executive order began. In response to Trump’s order, Steenhuisen asserted that the claim of the act allowing arbitrary land seizures by the state is false, adding that it mandates fair compensation for legitimate expropriation, in line with Section 25 of the Constitution.