Government Pushes For Bold Land Reform To Boost Economy

A fresh call for land expropriation reform has emerged as South Africa's public works and infrastructure minister pushes for a law that balances economic growth with fairness.

Dean Macpherson, a Democratic Alliance member in the unity government, argues that a clear and just policy is essential for infrastructure expansion. While his party opposes the current law, he believes expropriation is necessary for projects like ports, railways and energy transmission.

The government asserts that the act provides a clear legal framework for land expropriation in the public interest, ensuring due process and court oversight, as first reported by the Daily Investor .

The legislation was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December. This law allows the government to expropriate land for public purposes, including infrastructure development and urban renewal, with provisions for compensation - or, in certain cases, without compensation.

It has been a contentious issue, particularly among Afrikaner rights groups and international figures like former US President Donald Trump, who previously criticised South Africa's land policies. He announced intentions to cut funding to South Africa, citing alleged human rights violations stemming from the law.