In a dramatic ending to its 54th national conference, the ANC endorsed a resolution to change the Constitution to allow expropriation of land without compensation. This came after a heated debate that nearly collapsed the gathering. The party announced late on Wednesday night that it would initiate amendments to section 25 of the Constitution for this purpose. In an attempt to mitigate possible damage to property rights and the financial sector as well as the effect on agriculture, land values and food production, outgoing ANC economic policy chief Enoch Godongwana said that the decision to amend the Constitution contained a caveat that it would be done "in a sustainable way".
The ANC holds 62% of the National Assembly, which means it cannot on its own change the Constitution. However, the EFF has on several occasions offered its 6% representation to the ANC to reach the required two-thirds majority should the party want it. Godongwana said on Wednesday that there was no timel...
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