Farming community warns of investment and food security risks as President Ramaphosa signs controversial Expropriation Bill allowing land seizure without compensation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted the Expropriation Bill, granting government bodies power to seize land without compensation for public interest purposes. The law, replacing the 1975 Expropriation Act, has triggered immediate concern from South Africa’s agricultural sector.
AgriSA president Jaco Minnaar warned the legislation could destabilize the country’s farming industry. The agricultural organization expressed particular concern over the bill’s potential to discourage investment and threaten food production capacity.
The law enables state authorities to expropriate property, including residential land, without compensation if negotiations with landowners fail. Government officials defend the measure as essential for addressing historical inequalities and promoting economic transformation.
Critics draw parallels to Zimbabwe’s controversial land reform program under Robert Mugabe, warning of similar economic consequences. Agricultural leaders emphasize that unclear legal framework and potential misuse could undermine investor confidence.
The legislation’s stated aim includes “promoting inclusivity and access to natural resources,” though farming organizations argue this could come at the cost of agricultural stability and food security. The full impact of the law’s implementation remains to be seen.
Meta description: South African farming sector raises alarm over new Expropriation Bill allowing land seizure without compensation, warning of threats to agricultural investment and food security.
