Expropriation Act threatens constitutional right to private property: AfriForum

JOHANNESBURG - Lobby group AfriForum said the Expropriation Act contains serious flaws and is a real threat to the constitutional right to private property.

The group is challenging the constitutionality of the bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Pretoria High Court.

Ramaphosa signed the controversial bill in December, drawing criticism from the lobby group.

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AfriForum has criticised Ramaphosa for signing the Expropriation Bill after a new Cabinet was appointed with members holding differing views.

It’s also slammed the president for signing the bill in December and then waiting for a month before notifying the public.

While the group’s first preference is for the entire Expropriation Act to be declared unconstitutional, it has made arguments for certain sections of the law to be declared unlawful as an alternative.

AfriForum has cited the president, the Public Works Minister, the National Assembly speaker, and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)'s chairperson as respondents.

They will file their answering papers as the matter heads to court.