DA federal council adopts motion to oppose land expropriation without compensation

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s highest decision-making body has officially adopted a motion to oppose expropriation of land without compensation.

The party said its federal council voted unanimously to reject the "nil compensation" as expressed in the Expropriation Act, signed into law earlier in 2025.

The DA, which forms part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), said it will continue with its legal pursuit to declare the Expropriation Act unconstitutional.

The act said expropriation without compensation - or nil compensation - happens under strict conditions when the land is not in use, abandoned, or acquired through state subsidies.

Dean Macpherson - DA member and Minister of Public Works - caused a stir when he said this recently about nil compensation.

“People confuse an unlawful act of expropriation without compensation as expropriation with nil compensation. Nil compensation is clearly defined, and it’s not the same.”

DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said the party’s federal council has reaffirmed its longstanding position against nil compensation in favour of Section 25 of the Constitution.

“That just and equitable compensation, adjudicated by a court of la,w must be paid for any expropriation.”

The DA said secure private property rights are essential for economic growth.