Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson has moved to calm fears about South Africa’s controversial Expropriation Bill, stating his department is addressing concerns while ensuring the legislation won’t harm citizens. His comments came during a panel discussion at NAMPO Park in Bothaville, Free State on Wednesday.

MacPherson directly challenged claims about land confiscation and alleged threats to white farmers that have circulated since the bill’s recent enactment.

“We are working to find our way through some of the challenges that have been raised in court,” MacPherson said at the event, which focused on implications of the new legislation.

The minister emphasized the bill’s true purpose is addressing national infrastructure rather than targeting agricultural land.

The legislation has sparked significant controversy, with 49 Afrikaners reportedly seeking refuge in the United States over concerns about its implementation.

MacPherson insisted the actual aim is redressing historical inequality in land ownership, not threatening current landholders.

“We also had a discussion around the stability of the agricultural sector and how we as a department can contribute to that by resolving the outstanding or disputed issues within the act,” he added.

The minister stressed the government’s commitment to providing clarity to farmers about the bill’s scope and implementation.

Agricultural stakeholders have expressed concern about potential property rights implications, though the government maintains existing protections remain in place.

The panel discussion at NAMPO, South Africa’s largest agricultural trade show, attracted significant attention from farming communities across the country.

Legal challenges to aspects of the bill remain ongoing, with several civil society organizations questioning its constitutional alignment.