Last public hearing on Expropriation Bill to take place in Caledon

The Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works will conduct its final public hearing on the Expropriation Bill on Thursday, 21 April at 17:00 at the Victoria Hall, Caledon. While the deadline for written submissions was today at 12:00, the public will have a final opportunity for oral submissions at this public hearing.

The bill was introduced by the national Minister of Public Works. Expropriation means that, in certain circumstances, the state can take private property for public benefit without the permission of the owner of the property, but fair compensation must be paid to a person whose property is taken. The Minister states that the bill must ensure that expropriation happens in a way that is in line with the Constitution, and that the bill provides for standard procedures for expropriation.

It is important that people have their voices heard on the matter. On Friday, 22 April at 12:30, the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works will convene in the Chamber, Provincial Legislature Building, 7 Wale Street, Cape Town for a Negotiating Mandate Meeting, during which it will use the submissions made during these public hearings to inform potential amendments to the bill.

The Expropriation Bill [B 4B-2015] is available for download here.

Enquiries: Hon Lennit Max, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Transport and Public Works, Cell 082 559 4600 or Email lmax@wcpp.gov.za.

Enquiries and to request a copy of the bill: Shareen Niekerk, Committee Co-ordinator, Tel 021 487 1992 or Email sniekerk@wcpp.gov.za.

Media enquiries: Matthys Odendal, New Media Officer on Tel 021 487 1714 or Email modendal@wcpp.gov.za.