DA Gears Up for Legal Battle Against ‘Nil Compensation’ in South Africa’s Expropriation Act

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is doubling down on its opposition to the recently signed Expropriation Act of 2024, warning that it threatens the cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic and economic foundations: private property rights.

At a recent meeting, the DA’s Federal Council — its highest decision-making body between congresses — passed a motion firmly rejecting the “nil compensation” clause now enshrined in law. According to the party, the clause goes against the spirit of Section 25 of the Constitution, which mandates that expropriation must come with compensation that is “just and equitable.”

Helen Zille, chairperson of the DA’s Federal Council, emphasized that the party’s stance isn’t just about land ownership. “Property rights are fundamental to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living conditions for all South Africans,” she said.

Signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 23, the Expropriation Act allows the government to seize land without paying compensation in certain instances. The DA argues that this sets a dangerous precedent — not just for landowners but for the broader economy.

The party’s legal strategy includes launching a constitutional challenge to the Act in the High Court. It also plans to support ongoing efforts to take the law under judicial review and push for amendments that make it less threatening to private ownership.

More than just a legal issue, the DA sees this as a fight to uphold democratic values and protect investor confidence in South Africa. “This is not about standing in the way of land reform,” the party said in its motion. “It’s about ensuring that reform is fair, lawful, and sustainable.”

As land reform continues to stir debate across the country, the DA’s firm stance sends a clear message: it will not compromise when it comes to defending constitutional rights and the economic freedom they enable.

{Source: IOL}

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