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President Cyril Ramaphosa has sparked criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA) after commending Zimbabwe’s land reform programme during his official visit to Harare last week.
Ramaphosa attended the annual Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as a guest of honour at the invitation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
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In his keynote address, he applauded Zimbabwe for “revitalising its agricultural sector through policy reforms, investment in irrigation, mechanisation, and support for both large- and small-scale farmers.”
“On independence in 1980, the new democratic government of Zimbabwe had to dismantle colonial-era patterns of land ownership,” Ramaphosa said. He added that the reforms were crucial for “historical redress, food security, development, and economic growth.”
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DA Condemns Ramaphosa’s Endorsement of Zimbabwe’s Land Reform
The DA responded strongly, arguing that Ramaphosa was wrong to celebrate Zimbabwe’s land reform model, which it says led to economic collapse.
DA national spokesperson and MP Willie Aucamp said, “The DA condemns and rejects this praise by Ramaphosa for a process which left Zimbabwe in tatters, destroyed its economy and foreign relations, and created famine for its people.”
Aucamp highlighted that Zimbabwe still faces crippling financial reparations to former farmers and landowners because land seizures in the country were carried out without legal processes.
The spokesperson further accused Ramaphosa of using Zimbabwe’s experience to justify the ANC’s land expropriation agenda under the upcoming 2025 Expropriation Act.
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“While acknowledging the need for land reform in South Africa, it must remain within the Constitution and rule of law. Expropriation Without Compensation does not meet this standard,” Aucamp stressed.
He added that the Government of National Unity does not support what he termed Zimbabwe’s “land confiscation” approach, warning against adopting policies that could mirror Zimbabwe’s economic downfall.
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