Unpacked: Each party’s arguments in the Expropriation Act case
The DA, a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition, has joined AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations in challenging the Expropriation Act, which would allow the government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances. The Expropriation Act is being scrutinised from every angle, from the timing of its drafting, the […] The post Unpacked: Each party’s arguments in the Expropriation Act case appeared first on The Namibian .
The DA, a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition, has joined AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations in challenging the Expropriation Act, which would allow the government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances.
The Expropriation Act is being scrutinised from every angle, from the timing of its drafting, the delay by President Cyril Ramaphosa in publicising its signing, the wording used in certain sections of the Act and whether it measures up to section 25 of the Constitution.
The high court, sitting in Cape Town, is currently hearing five days of argument in a collection of cases challenging different aspects of the Act, which would allow the state to seize property “for nil compensation” under certain circumstances.
A full bench of three judges is hearing the case, with those challenging the law’s validity and constitutionality including governing coalition member the Democratic Alliance (DA), Afrikaner lobby-group AfriForum and policy advocacy group Institute of Race Relations (IRR) Legal.
A fourth organisation, Vaderland Stigting, has also filed papers in the case. The organisation represents farming interests. The Presidency, Parliament and the Economic Freedom Fighters are presenting counter-arguments in court proceedings.
