Natalie Nyathi
In a recent visit to Harare, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Zimbabwe’s land reform program, calling it “essential” and “ambitious.” This statement has sparked significant backlash from the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s main opposition party.
During his visit, Ramaphosa acknowledged the efforts made by Zimbabwe to revive its agricultural sector after years of economic decline. He highlighted the need for historical redress and the importance of allowing black Zimbabweans access to productive land. However, the DA strongly disagrees with his assessment, arguing that the land reform policies have caused more harm than good.
Willie Aucamp, the DA’s national spokesperson, condemned Ramaphosa’s remarks, stating that they overlook the severe consequences of the land confiscation process that began in the early 2000s. According to Aucamp, these policies led to the collapse of Zimbabwe’s economy, damaged foreign relations, and created widespread famine among the population. He emphasized that the land was not legally transferred, resulting in crippling financial reparations owed to former landowners.
The DA believes that praising such a failed model could create a dangerous precedent for South Africa’s own land reform agenda. Aucamp accused Ramaphosa of attempting to “whitewash” the disaster in Zimbabwe to gain support for the ANC’s Expropriation Act of 2025, which aims to allow land expropriation without compensation.
While the DA agrees that land reform is necessary to address past injustices, they insist it must be done within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. They argue that the approach taken in Zimbabwe does not meet these standards and could have detrimental effects on South Africa’s economy if adopted.
The DA firmly maintains that any land reform efforts should restore dignity and economic opportunity for all South Africans, without bypassing legal protections. They also stress that there is no formal policy within the South African government to endorse Zimbabwe’s land confiscation model.
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of land reform in Southern Africa, where historical injustices continue to affect current policies. As the DA calls for a more lawful approach to land reform, the implications of Ramaphosa’s praise for Zimbabwe’s actions remain a contentious topic in South African politics.
The DA’s stance serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration of land policies that can impact not only the economy but also social stability and food security in the region.