AfriForum's court challenge against Expropriation Act begins

AfriForum’s long-awaited legal battle against the Expropriation Act has commenced in the Western Cape High Court.

Monday's proceedings will determine how various organisations will be allowed to participate in the matter as applicants, respondents, or friends of the court.

AfriForum said the case is one of the most important in a decade, with an outcome that could shape the future of private property rights in the country.

Afriforum's spokesperson, Ernst van Zyl, referenced a speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Zimbabwe last year in which the president reportedly described Robert Mugabe’s land reform policy as "Ambitious" and "Necessary."

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"Private property rights are being relentlessly attacked on all fronts by forces seeking to abolish this right in South Africa."

Van Zyl said AfriForum will argue against state custodianship of private land without compensation.

The EFF, which has entered the matter as an intervening party, said its lawyers will oppose AfriForum's case when the matter proceeds in August.