NO land expropriation in South Africa THIS YEAR

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South Africa’s Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, has reaffirmed that no land expropriation has taken place since the Land Expropriation legislation came into effect in January 2025, dispelling fears and misinformation circulating both locally and abroad.

“There is currently no land expropriation occurring on private properties, including farms,” said Nyhontso in a departmental statement.

All land acquired under government programmes for land restitution and redistribution is done through fair, transparent, and legal processes, the Minister emphasised.

“The purchase of land from previous owners, particularly white owners, is based on negotiated agreements that uphold property rights and promote inclusive development and access to land.”

Addressing international concerns

The Minister’s remarks follow statements by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that white South Africans were being subjected to land grabs and genocide.

The South African government has firmly rejected these allegations as false and inflammatory.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently met with President Trump to address these concerns, reaffirm bilateral ties, and explore investment opportunities.

During the talks, Ramaphosa stressed that criminal violence affects all South Africans, not just white citizens.

“Yes, there is criminality in our country, but the majority of victims are black South Africans,” said Ramaphosa, countering Trump’s assertions and underscoring the complexity of the country’s crime landscape.

Progress on land reform

Since the launch of South Africa’s land reform programme in 1995, the government has acquired approximately 3.9 million hectares of land – representing 2.5% of the national land mass – at a cost of around R26.6 billion.

This land has been repurposed for a range of developmental objectives, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, and hospitality.

The Department of Land Reform stressed that its focus remains on constitutional, economically viable, and socially responsible land reform.

“Minister Nyhontso wishes to emphasise that any other information and pronouncements contrary to the government’s position on land reform are mischievous, false, and misleading,” the statement concluded.

As land reform continues to be a sensitive and critical issue in South Africa, officials say the government will stay committed to engagement with all stakeholders, ensuring that land redistribution remains just, transparent, and aligned with the principles of the Constitution.