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As of next April, white South Africans could be forced to give up their homes to black civilians after the National Assembly voted in favour of setting up a committee to amend the law. The law is an amendment to section 25 of the Constitution, and if it is adopted black South Africans can take the land of white farmers, leaving them with nothing. Land continues to be a huge issue in South Africa where racial inequality remains entrenched more than two decades after the end of apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is spearheading the law change so they can distribute the land at their own accord.

But critics say the land they reclaim will be dished out to their friends rather than those in need. The establishment of a new committee to oversee the potential change in the law has been fast-tracked by politicians, with 183 MPs voting yes, 77 voting no and no abstentions last week. The same week the country’s High Court rejected a legal challenge brought by a group representing white farmers against the plans for land expropriation without compensation.

As of next April, white South Africans could be forced to give up their homes

The law currently reads that “just and equitable” payment which reflects “an equitable balance between the public interest and the interests of those affected” must be offered for land. Should the change in law pass, this would be abolished. Those arguing the change in the law have been branded “beneficiaries of racism” by Economic Freedom Fighters politician Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is spearheading the law change