Members of the public have until next week to submit their written inputs on the Expropriation Bill (B23-2020).
Submissions must be made by Friday, 23 June. Stakeholders expected to give feedback include organised agriculture, commerce and industry; the financial sector, legal fraternities and property industry; professional associations and public entities; as well as government departments and the general public.
Paving the way for submissions, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure, Roads, Transport and Human Settlements conducted information roadshows in the Free State to best inform the public about the Expropriation Bill.
Sarah Moleleki, chairperson, and the working committee members hosted public hearings as initiated by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) through the select committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure in drafting the bill.
According to Moleleki, this process is in line with the Constitution.
“It recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire another’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid,” she explained.
“Members of the public are mobilised through public hearings as part of our legislation and oversight mechanisms, and public participation mandates.
“The public is therefore invited to participate and contribute towards the process of amending section 25 of the Constitution. Section 25 makes provision for the general framework for expropriation of property only in terms of law of general application, and that no law may permit arbitrary deprivation of property. It also provides that property may be expropriated for a public purpose or in the public interest and subject to payment of ‘just and equitable’ compensation,” said Moleleki.
She said, furthermore, the process provided for the expropriation of property in public interest which includes the nation’s commitment to land reformation, and for reforms to bring about equitable access to all of South Africa’s natural resources.
“The depth of members of the public’s understanding and the quality of contributions will simplify the work of consolidating a provincial position.”
Written inputs can be submitted at fsl.gov.za, or sent to Portiak@fsl.gov.za.
