In a clear reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to land reform, Deputy President Paul Mashatile confirmed that land expropriation remains a long-term project under the South African government.
Speaking during a plenary session in the National Assembly, Mashatile addressed ongoing debates surrounding land expropriation and reiterated that expropriation without compensation is already taking place in certain cases where the public good is served.
Local debates
Paul Mashatile’s remarks come amid mounting international attention and local debates over land reform.
This includes a recent exchange with the United States government during a visit to Washington earlier this year, where AfriForum and Solidarity raised concerns about the Expropriation Act, which President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law in January.
The deputy president made it clear that while the African National Congress (ANC) remains firmly committed to land expropriation, this must be done in accordance with South Africa’s constitution.
He noted that the ANC’s efforts are guided by existing legal frameworks, which allow for expropriation in the public interest.
Expropriation Under Current Legislation
Paul Mashatile emphasised that although amending Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for broader expropriation without compensation failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament, the government was still able to proceed with expropriation under the newly enacted Expropriation Act.
He confirmed that land is being expropriated without compensation, especially when deemed in the public interest or for development purposes.
“We are pushing much faster to expropriate land, guided by what Parliament has decided on. And where appropriate, particularly for public good, expropriation without compensation is happening,” Mashatile said.
Despite resistance from some opposition parties and ongoing challenges in expediting land redistribution, Mashatile reiterated the ANC’s determination to provide land to South Africa’s historically disadvantaged communities.
He added that land expropriation was part of a broader effort to address the injustices of the 1913 Natives Land Act, which dispossessed millions of Black South Africans of their land.
Boksburg Land Claim: A Test Case for Expropriation
One of the notable cases under consideration is the potential expropriation of a piece of undeveloped land in Boksburg in Ekurhuleni, valued at around R30 million.
This case has been described as a test for expropriation without compensation, with local authorities having approached the landowners with an intention to expropriate.
While the landowners have not opposed expropriation, they are contesting the offer of no compensation.
This case has drawn criticism from opposition parties such as the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), which has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of misleading the United States earlier this year when he assured President Donald Trump that no private land in South Africa would be expropriated without compensation.
“This incident of expropriation in Ekurhuleni clearly demonstrates that no privately owned land in South Africa is safe,” said FF+ leader Corne Mulder.
Moving Forward with Land Reform
Paul Mashatile acknowledged that the process of land reform would take time, especially considering the complexities involved in addressing historical injustices and facilitating economic development.
He noted that while there had been discussions about extending the land claims period to before 1913, this is not yet possible under current law.
“The purpose of land reform is to address the legacy of the Natives Land Act of 1913. We are committed to ensuring that the land returned to communities is not just for farming, but also for development and residential purposes,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile also confirmed that government dialogues with traditional leaders and Khoisan representatives earlier this year had resulted in plans for a national land indaba to finalise critical issues surrounding land reform.
In his closing remarks, Paul Mashatile underscored that while the ANC’s path forward is within the legal framework of the Expropriation Act, the party remains steadfast in its commitment to land redistribution.
“Our people need land, and we will provide them with land. That much we are committed to,” he concluded.
