Infighting Erupts Within South Africa’s Unity Government Over Expropriation Bill

Tensions within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) continue to escalate as the Democratic Alliance (DA) declared a dispute with the African National Congress (ANC) following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the controversial Expropriation Bill into law. The DA, the second-largest party in the coalition, accused the ANC of bypassing GNU protocols, heightening concerns about the coalition’s stability.

The Expropriation Bill, a product of five years of public consultation and parliamentary deliberation, allows land seizure without compensation under specific conditions. The landmark legislation aims to address longstanding land inequality stemming from apartheid, where Black South Africans own a small fraction of the country’s farmland.While the ANC emphasized that the law is constitutionally sound, the DA claims it contradicts legal standards. DA leader John Steenhuisen described the move as a breach of trust, calling for a “reset” in the coalition’s relationship.

During a press conference in Cape Town, Steenhuisen criticized Ramaphosa for ignoring coalition partners before signing the bill. He warned that the DA, representing over 3.5 million voters, would not tolerate being sidelined. The party is pursuing legal avenues to challenge the bill’s constitutionality, potentially escalating the conflict.The law replaces the 1975 Expropriation Act, which operated under a “willing seller, willing buyer” framework. It permits land seizure only when deemed “just and equitable” and in the public interest. Examples include unused land or properties that pose risks to public safety. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that expropriation must follow failed negotiations with landowners and cannot be arbitrary.

Adding to the discord, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie accused the ANC of disrespecting GNU members by failing to communicate about the bill’s signing. McKenzie, while supporting land reform, warned that poorly executed policies could harm the economy and called for greater inclusivity in decision-making.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Freedom Front Plus, also GNU members, have joined the DA in opposing the bill. They demand that it be referred back to Parliament for further review. Legal experts anticipate a Constitutional Court challenge, which could delay the law’s implementation.

This infighting highlights deeper fractures within the coalition as parties grapple with ideological differences on land reform and other policies like the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Observers warn that these divisions could undermine the GNU’s ability to address South Africa’s pressing challenges.

The Expropriation Bill has sparked heated national and international discourse about land ownership and restitution in South Africa. As coalition members call for dialogue and transparency, the ANC faces growing pressure to balance its reform agenda with maintaining unity in a politically diverse government. 

This development marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s effort to address the enduring legacy of apartheid-era land policies, though its execution and impact remain to be seen. The government’s ability to navigate the legal and political opposition will likely shape the law’s effectiveness and legacy.