Court Fight Begins over South Africa’s Land Law that Irks the Trump Administration
AfriForum and the DA say the law gives the state vague powers and could weaken investment, jobs and property rights.
- On Monday, August 3, 2026, the Western Cape High Court began hearing a constitutional challenge against the Expropriation Act. The Democratic Alliance, AfriForum, and the Institute of Race Relations seek to strike down provisions allowing land seizures without compensation.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the legislation in January 2025 to address land dispossession and economic inequality. The Act enables the state to seize property for public interest, occasionally offering "nil compensation" when negotiations for a reasonable settlement have failed.
- Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel argue the law grants government "vague and sweeping powers," warning it threatens investment. Both groups contend the legislation bypasses constitutional protections for private property rights.
- Amid friction within the governing coalition, U.S. President Donald Trump previously cited the law to justify cutting financial aid, despite South Africa rejecting his claims of targeted persecution. The case creates tension ahead of municipal elections.
- Proceedings are expected to continue through the week, though analyst Sandile Swana describes the legal battle as a "shadowboxing match." No land has been seized under the Expropriation Act to date.
12 Articles
12 Articles
South African coalition party goes to court over law that angered Trump
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 3 - South Africa's Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the governing coalition, went to court on Monday to challenge a land seizure law that U.S. President Donald Trump cited when cutting off aid to the country last year. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Expropriation Act challenge begins in Cape Town as DA heads to court
The Expropriation Act challenge reached the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on Monday, as the Democratic Alliance pushed ahead with its legal bid against the law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2025, Cape {town} Etc reports. The party says the case is about protecting South Africans’ right to own property. The DA argues the law allows... Read more → The post Expropriation Act challenge begins in Cape Town as DA heads to cour…
DA tells court Expropriation Act gives goverment too much power
The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party in the governing coalition, went to court on Monday to challenge a land-seizure law that United States (US) President Donald Trump cited when cutting off aid to the country last year. The case has caused friction with the biggest party, the African National Congress (ANC), as the country gears up for municipal elections in November. DA challenges land seizure law The Expropriation Act allows…
W Cape court hears DA's challenge to Expropriation Act - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
The Western Cape High Court hears the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) challenge to the Expropriation Act. The party wants the court to declare it unconstitutional and invalid. Livestream
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