South Africa's Democratic Alliance challenges Expropriation Act in court

The Democratic Alliance (DA) brought a constitutional challenge against South Africa's Expropriation Act to the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town. The law, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2025, permits the state to seize land in the public interest, including cases without compensation. The DA argues the Act gives the government vague, sweeping powers that could deter investment, harm jobs and undermine property rights.

The case arrives as the country prepares for municipal elections in November and follows earlier criticism of the law by U.S. President Donald Trump, who linked it to a suspension of aid. While the DA leads the legal bid, civil‑rights groups AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations, along with the Free Market Foundation, have also filed challenges, claiming the legislation bypasses constitutional safeguards. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) defends the Act as a milestone for land‑reform and economic transformation. No land has yet been expropriated under the law.

The hearing places property rights and land‑reform at the centre of a national debate that pits the pro‑business opposition against the governing coalition, with potential implications for foreign investment and domestic political dynamics.