Zikalala criticises Macpherson for refusing to implement Expropriation Act

CAPE TOWN - Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has been criticised by his deputy, Sihle Zikalala, for refusing to implement the Expropriation Act.

The fallout between the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) on the Expropriation Act was clear to see during Tuesday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, as Zikalala addressed Macpherson directly about his recent comments about the act, which he is expected to implement as minister.

Addressing the SONA debate on Tuesday, Zikalala said that Macpherson's response was not just "unfortunate" but bad for his self-development.

Macpherson has been slammed by Zikalala for refusing to implement the Expropriation Act. 

Macpherson said that as minister there would be no expropriation of private property without compensation under his watch.

His party, the DA, is also fighting the law in the Western Cape High Court.

But Zikalala said it was Macpherson’s duty to implement the act as promulgated, adding that ministers took an oath of office committing that they would obey and uphold the Constitution.  

"Therefore, such a response is not only unfortunate but badly in need of self-development. I must say there are many ministers who would not have been comfortable with any other act, but upon taking office they implement them."

Zikalala said expropriation was not only implemented in South Africa and was the norm in countries like the US, Singapore and India.