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The civil rights organisation AfriForum has made it clear to the ANC that the organisation will launch substantial legal action to protect private property rights in South Africa, in the event that President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Expropriation Bill or the ANC tries to amend the Constitution. This comes after the ANC indicated this week that the party will table proposed amendments to the Constitution to make expropriation without compensation possible, despite their participation in the Government of National Unity.

Just like the Bela Bill, AfriForum views attempts to dismantle private property rights and make expropriation without compensation possible as a clear red line, due to the economic destruction and constitutional rights violations that would result.

The Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development recently confirmed that out of the total of 64 354 land claims that have been settled since 1998, only 8 314 (12,9%) of the successful claimants took possession of the land they sought, while 56 040 (87,1%) chose financial compensation instead.

According to Ernst van Zyl, Head of Public Relations at AfriForum, any proposed amendments to the Constitution that will enable expropriation without compensation and thus the destruction of private property rights, should be opposed tooth and nail and uncompromisingly.

“If the President signs the Expropriation Bill into law, AfriForum will announce its next steps to protect private property. AfriForum will also be the first organisation to take the government to court if it starts targeting private property for expropriation without compensation,” concludes Van Zyl.

Issued by AfriForum