De Lille declines invitation to clarify who must settle unpaid bonds after EWC – IRR
20 April 2021
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Patricia de Lille has joined the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) in turning down an invitation from the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) to join a livestream discussion this week on the Expropriation Bill – and, specifically, on who will be liable to pay outstanding home loans on expropriated properties.
The government remains tight-lipped about its views on the fate of those who may lose their property under the pending expropriation legislation, but still owe funds to financial institutions when this happens.
The IRR has sought clarity from the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure on the matter, but has found the responses unenlightening. The Minister’s office has indicated that she has no comment to make since the process is now with parliament.
Given the stakes involved, and the potential for abuse, the IRR finds this response decidedly inadequate.