Immediate Release | 14 August 2026
Free SA is calling on South Africans to defend secure property rights and support land reform that expands ownership rather than weakens it.
Through its Protect Property Rights, Protect South Africa’s Future campaign, Free SA is mobilising citizens behind a simple principle: South Africa needs more homeowners, entrepreneurs, emerging farmers and families able to build and pass on wealth, not greater uncertainty over ownership.
Property rights are fundamental to prosperity. When people know that what they buy, build and earn is secure, they have the confidence to invest, start businesses and plan for the future. Weakening that security risks undermining investment, economic growth and job creation.
“South Africa’s history of dispossession requires meaningful redress, but weakening property rights is not the answer,” said Free SA spokesperson Gideon Joubert. “Real reform should give more South Africans the security and dignity of ownership. We should be creating millions more property owners, not making ownership itself less secure.”
Free SA is calling for expropriation powers to be clearly limited, constitutionally sound and subject to meaningful judicial oversight. It also advocates stronger title and tenure security to enable more South Africans to own homes, land and businesses.
“History warns us about giving the state excessive power over private property,” Joubert added. “South Africa can pursue redress while protecting the rule of law, encouraging investment and expanding opportunity. These objectives are not mutually exclusive.”
Free SA is inviting South Africans to add their voices to the campaign. Public representations will be collected and delivered to government on 16 December.
“South Africa’s future prosperity depends on giving more people the freedom and security to own, invest, build and create wealth for the next generation,” Joubert concluded.
Ends
Media enquiries:
Anneke Burns
Free SA Publicist
071 423 0079
anneke@abpr.co.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: freesa.org.za