AgriSA has reassured farmers and investors that South Africa’s Expropriation Act aligns with constitutional protections and does not constitute land confiscation. 

The organization emphasized that the agricultural sector remains resilient and committed to productivity despite concerns surrounding the newly signed legislation.

AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé affirmed on Friday that no private land has been seized or expropriated without compensation. “To be clear, no seizures or confiscations of private property have taken place. Nor has any land been expropriated without compensation. Isolated cases of land grabs and trespassing have been dealt with. Additionally, rumours linking farm murders to the signing of the act are baseless and irresponsible. Farmers remain productive and committed to their operations," he said.

Kotzé addressed fears sparked by misleading claims from US President Donald Trump and recent remarks by South African-born entrepreneur Elon Musk. “The agricultural sector continues to thrive, and misinformation should not be allowed to derail investment confidence in the industry,” he said.

AgriSA has long advocated for legal clarity on expropriation and urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to consult the Constitutional Court on the bill’s constitutionality before its enactment. Kotzé reaffirmed that, internationally, expropriation in the public interest is an accepted legal principle—provided it is conducted lawfully and fairly.

While the act does allow for instances of nil compensation, AgriSA stressed that these cases would be rare and subject to thorough evaluation. “The principle of just and equitable compensation remains intact, ensuring that property owners’ rights are upheld,” Kotzé said.

During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town, Ramaphosa dismissed external criticism, asserting that South Africa would “not be bullied” by foreign influence.

Kotzé acknowledged that concerns about the act’s implementation remain, particularly regarding the definition of expropriation and its legal interpretation. However, he assured stakeholders that AgriSA would closely monitor developments to safeguard private property rights.

“We take comfort in the fact that the Expropriation Act remains subject to Section 25 of the Constitution, which has not been amended. Importantly, Section 25 requires that compensation be just and equitable, ensuring a fair balance between the public interest and the rights of affected property owners," he said. 

Despite global attention, South Africa’s agricultural sector remains focused on growth, sustainability, and maintaining its crucial role in food security.