[Source: Politicsweb by Dave Steward.]
What is ‘expropriation without compensation’ (EWC), where does it come from – and what are its implications?
To start with, EWC makes no sense.
Property rights are an indispensable requirement for all successful economies and for all genuine democracies.
Despite the ANC’s qualifications of EWC, any dilution of property rights would inevitably have a negative impact on agricultural stability, food security, investment and economic growth.
EWC is unnecessary. Section 25 of the Constitution already makes adequate provision for land reform. The failure of 90% of the government’s land reform initiatives is, according to the recent Report of the High Level Panel, due to the incapacity of government departments and the corruption of state officials. What reason is there to suppose that land redistribution arising from EWC would fare any better?
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