Letters

Expropriation Bill remains a danger

I was interested to read Prof Elmien Du Plessis’ views on the Expropriation Bill (FW, 8 January). She argues that it sets out a system that will serve the state and private property owners and provide ‘clarity’. However, this argument is unconvincing.

While the proposed legislation does contain provisions for mediation and legal challenges, it also structures the expropriation process in a manner heavily tilted towards the state.

An ‘expropriating authority’ first investigates the property it wants. It then negotiates with the owner for its purchase, and if no agreement can be reached, it can turn to expropriation. This is done by the expropriating authority issuing a notice of intention to expropriate. This invites representations on the expropriation and compensation envisaged, but these must