President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Expropriation Bill into law, replacing the outdated 1975 Expropriation Act. The new legislation, which underwent five years of public consultation, ensures that expropriation is carried out fairly and is not arbitrary.
According to the Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the law requires authorities to negotiate with property owners and seek mediation or court intervention to resolve disputes.
“In terms of this law, an expropriating authority may not expropriate property arbitrarily or for any purpose other than in the public interest or for a public purpose,” Magwenya stated.
The legislation is aimed at promoting inclusivity and ensuring equitable access to resources, aligning with the government's broader land reform and economic transformation goals.