Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
27 January 2025 | 14:00 CAT
2 min read

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed strong opposition to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Expropriation Bill into law, describing it as a direct attack on the constitutional rights of South Africans. Speaking to Radio Islam International, DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp criticised the bill, saying it poses significant constitutional issues.

Aucamp highlighted that Section 25 of the Constitution already provides for expropriation, rendering the new legislation unnecessary. “The bill creates confusion and contains clauses that won’t meet constitutional muster,” he said.

He explained that the DA had obtained legal advice on the matter. “Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, was advised by DA Minister Dean Macpherson to send the bill back to Parliament to address these constitutional issues, but the President chose to ignore that advice,” he said.

The DA’s primary concern is the provision allowing for expropriation without compensation if negotiations fail. “This puts property owners in a position where they negotiate with a gun to their head. It’s unfair and dangerous,” he added. Aucamp also criticized the burden placed on property owners to approach courts to protect their rights, arguing that the onus should be on the state to justify expropriation.

Beyond the Expropriation Bill, Aucamp expressed concerns about other legislation, such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, warning that it could deter investors. “No one wants to invest in a country where there’s a risk of losing property, whether it’s a house, farm, or factory,” he cautioned.

When asked about the DA’s position within the Government of National Unity (GNU), Aucamp was adamant that the party remains committed to fighting for South Africans’ rights. He emphasised that the GNU is not an ANC government and called on Ramaphosa to respect coalition agreements. “The DA didn’t join the GNU to implement ANC policies. We’re here to rescue South Africa, grow the economy, and create jobs,” Aucamp said. He believes if they can improve those two things, they can turn South Africa around. “If President Ramaphosa thinks that he will get us to fall in line with old old, ANC policies, he’s making a big mistake,” he stressed.

The DA has requested an urgent meeting between its leader, John Steenhuisen, and President Ramaphosa to address these concerns. Aucamp warned that while the DA wants the GNU to succeed, the party would not be co-opted into rubber-stamping ANC policies. “You can only push someone so far,” Aucamp said.

For now, the DA remains firm in its commitment to holding the government accountable, advocating for policies that protect citizens’ rights and attract investment to South Africa.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and MP Willie Aucamp, here.