South Africa's ATM Calls For Expropriation Of Hijacked Buildings

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has urged the government to take over hijacked buildings across the country.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law, sparking widespread debate.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula believes these buildings could help small businesses and students in need.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned political analyst with Briefly News, has spent nine years covering local and international politics in South Africa for outlets like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News. His expertise provides deep insights into current affairs.

Vuyo Zungula is pushing the government to take action on hijacked buildings. Image: Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

In Parliament, Western Cape, the leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), Vuyo Zungula, has taken a bold step by writing to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. In his letter, Zungula requests the government to take control of buildings that have been hijacked across the country, aiming to repurpose them for public use. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to address issues affecting South Africans, such as affordable housing and support for small businesses.

Why Zungula is Pushing for Expropriation

In a direct appeal, Vuyo Zungula shared the letter he sent to Minister Macpherson on his X account @ZungulaVuyo. He emphasized that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure must prioritize the expropriation of hijacked buildings in key areas like Durban, Hillbrow, and other central business districts. These buildings, according to Zungula, could serve as much-needed student accommodation and affordable spaces for Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). The move is not just about reclaiming lost property but also about providing tangible solutions to pressing social and economic challenges.

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For those interested, you can read the full letter here:

Understanding the Expropriation Act

Minister Macpherson has stated that he will not enforce the Expropriation Act's provision for zero compensation.
Political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the MK Party, and the Democratic Alliance (DA), have strongly opposed the signing of the bill.
The DA has gone as far as declaring a dispute within the Government of National Unity, accusing the African National Congress (ANC) of failing to inform coalition partners about the signing of the Bill.

Hijacked buildings could be repurposed for the public good. Image: Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Public Reaction to the Proposal

The idea of expropriating hijacked buildings has sparked lively discussions among South Africans. People from all walks of life are weighing in with their opinions, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

Jn commented:

"While it sounds like a good idea, what about fair compensation for the original owners? There are cases where houses in suburban areas have been hijacked. The owners of these buildings and homes deserve legal protection and support from the state."

Leonard Blignaut questioned:

"Would this really make a significant difference in addressing our housing crisis and supporting small businesses?"

Maverick chimed in:

"Julius Malema has long been an advocate for this kind of approach. It’s interesting to see other parties now embracing similar ideas."

Shaun_SK offered a creative suggestion:

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"This is a fantastic opportunity. I propose establishing a high-performance center for athlete rehabilitation, catering to those without medical aid or access to private facilities."

Mbudzeni was critical, stating:

"It seems like you’re trying to have it both ways. If the Expropriation Act is controversial, why push for its use in this context?"

EFF's Stance on the Expropriation Act

In related news, Briefly News reported that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has pledged to defend the Expropriation Act if the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) takes legal action against it. The FF+ has invited other parties to join them in challenging the Act in court.

The EFF has made it clear that they will oppose the FF+ in court, asserting their commitment to fighting against any right-wing party, especially the FF+. This stance, however, contrasts with their earlier opposition to the Expropriation Act, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over land and property rights in South Africa.