South Africa’s parliament on Tuesday adopted a motion seeking to amend the country’s Constitution to allow for the expropriation of land without compensation.
The motion was brought by the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema and received 241 in support, and 83 against.
The motion was however voted against by the opposition DA, Freedom Front Plus, Cope and the ACDP.
The country’s Constitutional Review Committee will now take up the process and report back to Parliament by August 30.
News24 reported that the EFF’s motion had called for the establishment of an ad hoc committee, which had to report back to the National Assembly by the end of May.
The ANC rather suggested an amendment, which was supported by the EFF. Malema said during the debate that “The time for reconciliation is over. Now is the time for justice.”
The Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald who voted against the motion about the motion that “If you continue on this course, I can assure you there is going to be unforeseen consequences that is not in the interest of South Africa”.
A 2017 land audit report by the department of land reform states 72% of farm land is owned by white owners, followed by coloureds (people of mixed race) at 15%, Indians at 5% and blacks at 4%.
In last week’s State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said while he supports land to be taken without pay, he would not agree to a “smash and grab” policy.
Source: Africafeeds.com
