
Noluthando Hlopoyi – Free SA Spokesperson
Press Release by Free SA
Immediate Release
January 2025
Free SA, the Foundation for the Rights of Expression and Equality, has strongly criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for signing the Expropriation Act into law, warning that the legislation poses a serious threat to property rights and investor confidence in South Africa.
The Expropriation Act, originally drafted before South Africa’s recent national elections in 2024 which saw the creation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), reflects a disconnect between the presidency and the people of South Africa. Despite its passage through Parliament, the Act fails to consider the new political reality, where South Africans have clearly rejected the ANC’s failures and policy missteps in recent elections. Free SA asserts that the Act is a dangerous step towards the erosion of property rights, which will have dire economic consequences. By granting the state broad and unchecked powers to expropriate property, including under vague circumstances of ‘nil compensation,’ the Act creates uncertainty that will deter both local and foreign investment. At a time when South Africa needs economic stability and growth, this legislation signals to investors that their assets may not be secure, further weakening confidence in the country’s ability to uphold constitutional property protections.
“The President’s assent to this legislation is a step backward for South Africa,” said Free SA spokesperson, Nolu Hlophoyi. “This Act grants the state wide-ranging powers of expropriation that are fraught with dangers for individual property rights and the broader economy. It risks driving away investment at a time when South Africa desperately needs economic growth and stability. GNU members must push back against this Act and ensure that property rights remain protected.”
Free SA calls on the GNU partners to resist the implementation of this Act and to advocate for a review or repeal. GNU members must uphold the principles of constitutionalism and protect South Africans from policies that could deepen economic uncertainty and mistrust in government. Free SA warns that this approach undermines the very principles of economic freedom and security needed to rebuild South Africa’s economy in a post-ANC majority era. The GNU must take decisive action to prevent the implementation of policies that would deepen economic uncertainty, drive capital flight, and stifle private-sector development.
To mitigate immediate concerns, Free SA will develop and propose draft regulations under the Act, urging the President to issue these to provide clarity on when and how the state may use its expropriation powers. This step is essential to allay fears, safeguard property rights, and restore investor confidence. However, Free SA maintains that the Act itself is inherently flawed and should ultimately be repealed and replaced with legislation that upholds constitutional property rights while addressing genuine developmental needs.
Free SA will continue its efforts to hold government accountable, ensuring that the people of South Africa are informed, engaged, and empowered to resist policies that threaten their rights and livelihoods.
*Ends*
Media enquiries:
Anneke Burns
Free SA Publicist
071 423 0079
media@freesa.org.za
About FREE SA:
At the Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) we are committed to empowering South Africans to have their voices heard. In a true democracy, every opinion counts, and we ensure your voice resonates where it matters most: in Parliament, in public policy, and in the laws that shape our country. From advocating for democracy and equality to holding the government to account, we stand with you to demand transparent, responsive, and fair governance that serves its people.
To learn more, visit: https://www.freesa.org.za/