South African MPs To
Re-Open Debate On Expropriation Bill
Collins Atohengbe, Pretoria
The
controversial expropriation bill which was shelved last year by
parliament shortly before the general election in South Africa
is to be reintroduced for debate.
The bill was put on hold due to the feeling that certain clauses
in the draft were unconstitutional and needed to be reviewed.
Its provisions
The bill permits the government to acquire any property,
including houses and land, if such acquisition is considered to
be in government or public interests.
It also allows the government to acquire such property, below
its face value or at prices below market rates if no agreement
was reached between the state and the property owner.
However, while many view the move as long overdue for the
purpose of land reform, others are threatening to challenge the
bill in court.
As part of the moves to reopen debate on the bill, Public Works
Secretary, Mr. Godfrey Olivant has promised to hold a public
hearing on the bill and expects the legislation to be ready
before the end of the year.
Yinka
