Cape Town: The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, has reiterated that there has been no land expropriation in South Africa since the implementation of the Land Expropriation legislation in January 2025. In addition, the Minister confirmed that there is currently no land expropriation occurring on private properties, including farms.
According to South African Government News Agency, all land acquired for land restitution and redistribution purposes by the government is purchased through a fair, transparent, and legal process. The purchase of land from previous owners, particularly white owners, is based on negotiated agreements. This approach is aligned to the protection of property rights and aims to promote inclusive development and improved access to land.
There has been misinformation circulating regarding claims made by United States President Donald Trump about alleged land grabs and genocide against White South Africans. President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged with his United States counterpart this past week to revitalize bilateral relations and explore new trade and investment opportunities that align with South Africa’s development goals.
The two leaders aimed to rebuild and strengthen their relationship amid ongoing tensions, including the recent resettlement of white Afrikaners in America. President Ramaphosa acknowledged that there was criminality in South Africa, but noted that people affected by criminal activity are not only white but also predominantly black.
Meanwhile, according to the department, a total of 3.9 million hectares have been acquired, which is only 2.5% of the country’s land mass, for an approximate value of R26.6 billion from the commencement of the programme in 1995 to date. The land acquired was used for various purposes, including agricultural production, forestry, tourism, and hospitality.
The department stated the government’s commitment to a constitutional, economically viable, and socially responsible land reform process.