Govt legal teams expected to respond to arguments opposing Expropriation Act

Legal teams for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson, and Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza are expected to respond to arguments opposing the Expropriation Act in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday. On Tuesday, AfriForum's lawyers argued that the most concerning aspect of the Expropriation Act is a clause allowing land expropriation without compensation. Advocate Henk Havenga stated that the phrase 'including but not limited to' creates an open-ended list of situations where the state may decide compensation is not payable, arguing this grants excessive discretion, creates uncertainty for property owners, and is unconstitutionally vague. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel demanded the provision be struck from the law, stating the government and ANC intend to take land without compensation, contradicting the Constitution. The matter continues with arguments from respondents, including legal teams for President Cyril Ramaphosa.