South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party has moved to court to challenge a proposed law that would allow the expropriation of land without compensation.
DA wants the Constitutional Court to stop any amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution, as proposed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
An ad hoc committee led by National Assembly chairperson Thoko Didiza has been elected and has already met to start looking at the amendments.
“The DA opposes the amendment of our precious Bill of Rights, and we will continue to fight it in the highest court in the land. The DA will not allow the ANC and the EFF to trample on the rights of South Africans,” DA lawmaker Thandeka Mbabama said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently said the government had identified parcels owned by the state for redistribution as part of accelerating land reform.
“Our policy and legislative interventions will ensure that more land is made available for agriculture, industrial development and human settlements. I wish to commend the many South Africans who participated in the work of the Constitutional Review
Ramaphosa’s expert advisory panel is expected to submit its report next month.
ANC and EFF will likely work together to get the two-thirds majority required to amend the Bill of Rights.
