South Africa\u2019s ruling party expects parliament to approve an amendment to the constitution this year outlining the circumstances in which land may be expropriated without compensation, president Cyril Ramaphosa said.<\/p>\n
The African National Congress adopted expropriation of land without compensation as a policy in 2017 to address racially skewed ownership patterns dating back to colonialism and white-minority rule.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s seen by Ramaphosa\u2019s foes within the party as a test of his resolve to push through decisions unpopular with the business community.<\/p>\n
The amendment will \u201ccontribute to the acceleration of land reform,\u201d Ramaphosa said in a televised speech marking the 109th anniversary of the founding of the ANC.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe redistribution of land will be done in a manner that promotes economic growth and sustains food security.\u201d<\/p>\n
Constitutional amendments require the backing of two-thirds of lawmakers, a margin the ruling party lacks.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa reiterated that officials accused of corruption must step down, in line with another resolution taken by the party in 2017.<\/p>\n
His comments came after the party\u2019s integrity body last month recommended that ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule — a key rival of the president — step aside or be suspended after being accused of crimes including fraud and money laundering.<\/p>\n
Steps are being taken to strengthen the effectiveness of ANC Integrity Commission in dealing with party members who are accused of wrongdoing, Ramaphosa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMembers who fail to give an acceptable explanation or to voluntarily step down while they face disciplinary, investigative or prosecutorial procedures, will be summarily suspended,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In his speech, Ramaphosa also called for:<\/p>\n