Property Rights Under Threat Without Cape Independence

The Referendum Party (RP) is deeply concerned by the ANC's attempts to force through its Expropriation Bill before the 2024 elections. Expropriation without compensation is a direct assault on property rights and poses a significant threat to the Western Cape economy.

The latest version of the Expropriation Bill approved by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has seen the ANC add a provision into the bill that allows for expropriation with “nil compensation”. Furthermore, the legislation creates a dangerous precedent, by granting the Minister of Public Works the power to expropriate property in the public interest or for a public purpose. The vague nature of this clause potentially leaves all Western Cape property owners at risk.

RP leader Phil Craig says, “This bill is yet another example of legislation with dire consequences being forced upon the Western Cape people against their will. When governments threaten property rights, it always leads to serious declines in investor confidence. While there must be a pragmatic debate around land reform, this should be done in a way that does not threaten our economy.”

The only way to ensure that the Western Cape can safeguard its economy is through control of its economic policy. If Western Cape voters want control of economic policy, they will have to vote for Cape Independence on 29 May 2024.

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash