30 September 2022

The ANC Caucus in Parliament welcomes the passing of two Bills in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 28 September 2022, namely; the Fundraising Amendment Bill and the Expropriation Bill.

Fundraising Amendment Bill

The Bill seeks to amend the Fund-Raising Act of 1978,so as to amend certain definitions; to effect certain textual amendments to provide greater clarity in order to provide for the discontinuation of certain funds, and for the dissolution of any boards responsible for those funds. It also seeks to establish the Disaster Relief and National Social Development Fund and to transfer any amounts remaining in the discontinued funds to the Disaster Relief and National Social Development Fund. The Bill further aims to empower the Minister to make regulations in respect of the financial year of a fund; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Expropriation Bill

The Bill seeks to provide for the expropriation of property for a public purpose or in the public interest and matters connected therewith.

The main objective of this Bill is to ensure that expropriation laws are in line with the Constitution of South Africa. The Bill will clearly outline how expropriation can be done and on what basis. Local, provincial and national authorities will use this legislation to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons that seek to amongst others, promote inclusivity and access to natural resources.

As the ANC Caucus, we believe this is a progressive bill as it sets out the framework to redress forced land dispossession. This bill will allow government to address the land question and bring dignity to our people. The bill will also bring legislative certainty to South Africans and investors, which is critical as the country rebuilds its economy and invests in communities.

Both Bills will be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

The ANC has noted with concern the unprincipled opposition to the Expropriation Bill by the right-wing political parties: DA, Freedom Front Plus and their close ally – the EFF. The debate in the house has finally removed the mask off the face of the EFF and exposed its true colours as a right-wing, anti-working class party draped in red – the colour that historically represents working class solidarity.

The Office of the Chief Whip has praised the unity and discipline demonstrated by ANC Caucus in the face of insults by parties which are hell-bent to preserve apartheid property ownership patterns.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip Cde Doris Dlakude