The Democratic Alliance (DA) and other political parties have vowed to challenge the newly signed Land Expropriation Act in court, escalating tensions over the controversial legislation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the bill into law on Thursday, replacing the 1975 Expropriation Act after a five-year consultation process. However, the DA has expressed strong reservations about certain provisions and is exploring legal avenues to oppose the legislation.
ActionSA has also raised concerns, calling the law another example of what it describes as the ANC’s "destructive policies." Civil rights group AfriForum has announced plans to launch its own legal challenge, arguing that the Act threatens private property rights.
Despite the backlash, the law has received support from labor movements. Trade union federation Cosatu hailed it as a historic victory for the working class and landless communities, while the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) described it as a crucial step toward addressing economic inequalities.
As legal battles loom, the Act remains a focal point in South Africa’s ongoing land reform debate.