ECPL Public Works Committee holds Public Hearings on Expropriation Bill in Walter Sisulu

The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure held public hearings on the Expropriation Bill at the Joe Slovo Community Hall in Walter Sisulu Local Municipality on 12 July 2023. This comes as the National Assembly passed the Expropriation Bill and referred it to the National Council of Provinces, and subsequently Provincial Legislatures, for concurrence. 

The aim of the Expropriation Bill is to repeal the existing Expropriation Act of 1975 to provide a common framework in line with the Constitution to guide the processes and procedures for the expropriation of property by organs of state and to provide for instances where expropriation with nil compensation may be just and equitable. 

Chairing the public hearing, MPL Kholiswa Vimbayo outlined the purpose of the day and encouraged participants to express their views in the process so their respective submissions form an integral part of the law-making process. 

Representatives from political parties, community based organisations, civic organisations, farmers and farmers associations, sector departments and ordinary citizens were amongst the participants who expressed diverse views on the Bill. 

The Bill was received with mixed reactions with some opposing and some supporting it. Some participants raised concerns on the Bill’s effect on private property rights, while some supported it as they believe it promises to be a tool to reverse injustices of the past while ensuring equitable access to land. 

Members of the public are urged to comment on the Bill before it is passed to law. Copies of the Bill may be obtained at www.eclegislature.gov.za or from Ms. Nomxolisi Maninjwa, the Committee Coordinator for the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure who may be contacted at 040 608 0003/082 040 4450 or at nmaninjwa@ecleg.gov.za 

Written comments on the Bill may be emailed to the above mentioned email address.