LAND: THE SILVER LINING

The immediate visceral reaction to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s land edict was dismay. But if you’re able to get past that, there are quite a few positives

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the ANC has decided to amend the property clause, section 25 of the constitution, to clarify in what circumstances expropriation without compensation (EWC) will be allowed, has rattled many. The fact that his announcement was made on national TV close to midnight adds to the dodgy perception. ad hoc experimenting, which could open the way for unlawful expropriation. Those who have experienced EWC (such as on trust land controlled by traditional leaders) can expect wording that puts an end to arbitrary deprivation of their rights. The process will also allow everyone an opportunity to influence the wording of the amendment. This can’t be bad — especially since the current public consultations have been curated in a binary fashion that gives land-hungry people two choices: landlessness or expropriation.

Dealers in hope