Opposition parties want Ramaphosa to test Expropriation Bill in ConCourt before enacting it

CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties want President Cyril Ramaphosa to test the Expropriation Bill in the Constitutional Court before signing it into law.

They say the African National Congress (ANC) has misled the public and wants to use the bill as a land reform instrument and ultimately an electioneering tool.

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The National Assembly on Wednesday night gave the thumbs up to amendments made to the bill by the National Council of Provinces.

The Expropriation Bill provides for property to be expropriated without compensation if it's in the public interest.

Moreover, it will repeal an apartheid-era act, but the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Sello Seithlolo said the ANC is trying to circumvent the Constitution after a failed attempt to amend it, threatening legal action.

“The ANC has attempted to continue its obsession with expropriation without compensation through an ordinary bill, which is effectively an attempt to expropriate through the back door.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)'s Sanele Zondo said while his party supports land reform, it doesn't support the bill.

“In an attempt to score another own goal, the ruling party may see it as a quick populist win.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also rejected the bill, with its member of Parliament Ntokozo Hlonyana saying it would not serve the landless masses.

“It’s, therefore, a red herring that expropriation will be without compensation without changing the property clause.”

The DA, EFF, IFP, Freedom Front Plus and African Christian Democratic Party opposed the bill with 108 votes to the ANC, National Freedom Party (NFP), Al Jama-ah, and Congress of the People’s 205 votes in favour.

The bill will now be sent to the president for assent.