![President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, signing into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill which directs the transformation of the South Africa’s health care system to achieve universal coverage for health services and, through this, overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.[Photo: GCIS]](https://theafricadailypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/53723953172_d77acab354_k-860x631.jpg)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Expropriation Bill into law, granting the government the power to seize land without compensation in certain circumstances. The new law, which replaces the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975, is a significant step in the country’s land reform process.
The bill allows national, provincial, and local authorities to expropriate land for public purposes, such as improving access to resources and promoting inclusivity. However, it establishes clear guidelines to prevent arbitrary expropriation, ensuring that property can only be taken if negotiations with the owner fail and the expropriation serves a legitimate public interest.
The new law aligns with Section 25 of the South African Constitution, which permits the state to expropriate property for public use or in the public interest, provided that compensation is just and equitable. The bill also introduces the possibility of expropriating land without compensation in cases where it is deemed necessary for the public good.
The legislation’s passage follows a five-year consultation process and replaces the outdated Expropriation Act of 1975. While the bill has been supported by those pushing for land reform, it has faced strong opposition from parties like the DA, IFP, and FF Plus, who attempted to limit its scope to state-owned land.
