SAPOA RAISES CONCERNS OVER LAND EXPROPRIATION WITHOUT COMPENSATION
1 March 2018
In light of the recent motion by the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has raised concerns, particularly in relation to food security, agricultural production and the economy.
SAPOA believes that while the historical background of land ownership needs to be addressed, it is critically important that South Africa navigates through the sensitivities with the greater vision being to ensure that the imbalance is dealt with and that the economic stability continues to be reinforced.
“SAPOA supports a land expropriation process where the rights of present and future landowners are balanced, with the need to ensure stability and economic growth” says Neil Gopal, Chief Executive Officer of SAPOA.
Section 25 of the SA Constitution enshrines the right to property, which is an international human right. It states that no one may be deprived of property, except in terms of law of general application, and no law may permit arbitrary deprivation of property. Property may be expropriated only in terms of law of general application for a public purpose or in the public interest; and subject to compensation, the amount of which and the time and manner of payment of which have either been agreed to by those affected or decided or approved by a court.