Johannesburg – South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) faces its most severe test yet after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial Expropriation Bill into law, allowing the state to seize land in the public interest—sometimes without compensation.
The legislation has ignited a fierce political battle within the GNU, with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the coalition, outright rejecting it. The DA has threatened to withhold its support for the upcoming budget vote, a move that could plunge the coalition into instability. Additionally, the party is preparing to challenge the law in court, accusing Ramaphosa of pushing the African National Congress (ANC)’s land reform agenda through the unity government.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the third-largest GNU member, has also voiced reservations about the bill, while the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has gone a step further, calling on other parties to join its legal battle against Ramaphosa at the Constitutional Court.
Legal and Political Fallout
The Expropriation Bill, a long-debated and highly divisive piece of legislation, grants the government the authority to take land deemed necessary for economic and social transformation. While it is framed as a tool to redress historical land injustices, critics argue that provisions allowing expropriation without compensation could undermine property rights and deter investment.
The DA has accused Ramaphosa of using the GNU as a Trojan horse for ANC policies, warning that the coalition cannot function if major decisions are taken unilaterally. The party’s refusal to back the budget could push the GNU to the brink of collapse, raising questions about its long-term viability.
“This is a fundamental betrayal of the spirit of the GNU. The president is forcing through ANC policies without consensus, and we cannot stand by while property rights are eroded,” said a DA spokesperson.
Constitutional Showdown Looms
With opposition mounting, the battle over land expropriation is likely to head to the Constitutional Court, where the legality of the law will be tested. The Freedom Front Plus, which has long opposed expropriation without compensation, is rallying other opposition parties to challenge the legislation’s constitutionality.
Political analysts warn that this crisis could unravel the fragile GNU, which was formed after the 2024 general elections in an effort to stabilize governance. The budget vote, a crucial test of the coalition’s unity, is now at risk, and failure to pass it could lead to political gridlock or even a breakdown of the government.
Uncertain Future for the GNU
As tensions escalate, the future of the unity government hangs in the balance. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the GNU can withstand this political storm or if South Africa is heading for a fresh political realignment.
For now, the battle lines are drawn—between a president pushing for land reform and coalition partners determined to resist it. The next chapter in South Africa’s governance crisis is about to unfold.
