South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Expropriation Bill into law, paving the way for the state to expropriate land in the public interest under specified conditions.
The new legislation, known as the Expropriation Act, replaces outdated laws from 1975 and provides a clearer framework for all levels of government to acquire land for varied public purposes. It allows for expropriation subject to equitable compensation, in line with the provisions of South Africa’s constitution.
The bill, which took five years of parliamentary deliberations and public consultations to finalise, reflects the government’s commitment to balancing land reform with constitutional and legal standards.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the presidency described the law as a critical tool for addressing historical injustices while ensuring compliance with the rule of law. The act is expected to facilitate efforts to redress land ownership imbalances and support sustainable development initiatives across the country.