Most provinces back land expropriation Bill

Seven provinces have adopted the Expropriation Bill that will replace the Expropriation Act of 1975.

Boingotlo Nthebe‚ chair of the Select Committee on Economic and Business Development‚ said they had received eight provincial mandates‚ seven of which were in favour of the Expropriation Bill. Limpopo did not respond.

Nthebe said the Bill would not be used in an unjust manner when dealing with as an important issue as land or property ownership.

• Expropriation Bill passedParliament took a huge step towards restoration of land rights when it passed the long-awaited Expropriation Bill yesterday.

“The Bill is consistent with the Constitution‚ and will make sure that the land – which is much needed for infrastructural projects – is availed without bringing about constitutional challenges‚” Nthebe said.

“This Bill is not replacing the need and commitment by this administration for consultation.”

• Expropriation Bill sets out process for property grabbingThe Expropriation Bill, which will set the rules under which the state can lay claim to urban and rural property, was passed by the parliamentary portfolio committee on public works yesterday.

He added that the Bill would ensure consistency with provisions of the Constitution‚ particularly with regard to the equality clause‚ property clause and administrative action‚ as well as to ensure that the purpose for expropriation includes public interest.