Parliament’s committee on land expropriation has agreed to publish its new draft bill in the government gazette next week.<\/p>\n
The bill aims to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation.<\/p>\n
Section 25 of South Africa\u2019s Constitution currently states that where compensation is payable for the expropriation of land by the state, the amount payable should be \u2018just and equitable\u2019.<\/p>\n
It further states that \u2018the time and manner of payment must be just and equitable, reflecting an equitable balance between the public interest and the interest of those affected.\u2019<\/p>\n
In a meeting on Thursday (5 December) committee chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga, said the draft bill will open the door for public participation.<\/p>\n
He said that the committee intends to publish an advert on 2 January 2020 that calls for public input until 31 January 2020.<\/p>\n
“This will ensure that we comply with the Constitution something which is of paramount importance. The flexibility of the dates for public input also covers the concerns regarding that matter.”<\/p>\n
Motshekga said the committee will ensure that all the views are tested as that is in line with South Africa\u2019s participatory democracy.<\/p>\n
“The process is continuous. Political parties that still want to make further proposals will not be precluded from doing so,” he said.<\/p>\n