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Free Market Foundation Criticizes DA’s Stance on Expropriation Act
The Free Market Foundation (FMF) has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of compromising its liberal principles by failing to take an unequivocal stance against the new Expropriation Act.
FMF Head of Policy, Martin van Staden, stated that instead of outright rejecting the act, the DA has chosen to focus on minor procedural issues, allowing itself to be ideologically co-opted within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“This is a weak—and failed—attempt to show its constituency that it is still ‘against’ the Expropriation Act while protecting its position in the GNU,” Van Staden said.
He argued that the DA’s historical role as the primary advocate for liberalism in South Africa has been undermined. Since its roots in the Progressive Party in 1959, the DA and its predecessors have championed individual rights and property ownership. However, Van Staden believes the party has now compromised on these values.
He also referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on property rights in South Africa, stating that Trump was correct in highlighting concerns over land expropriation.
The FMF emphasized that the DA had been extensively briefed on the constitutional flaws in the act and should have drawn a firm line within the GNU.
“It is a betrayal that liberals and those who understand the key role of property rights in safeguarding freedom, democracy, and prosperity should not soon forgive,” the FMF statement concluded.
The DA had not responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
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