The Free Market Foundation has accused the Democratic Alliance of betraying liberal principles regarding the Expropriation Act by failing to oppose it vigorously. Martin van Staden criticized the DA for not addressing the Act’s constitutional flaws and suggested the party has been co-opted since joining the Government of National Unity. The DA responded by highlighting its legal opposition to the Act.
The Free Market Foundation (FMF) has criticized the Democratic Alliance (DA) for not opposing the new Expropriation Act more vigorously, arguing that the party has compromised its ideological stance following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Martin van Staden, the FMF’s Head of Policy, stated that the DA’s approach sidesteps critical constitutional and economic flaws in the Act while focusing only on secondary issues.
Van Staden pointed out that this behavior represents a failed attempt to maintain the party’s anti-Expropriation Act image while participating in the GNU. He reaffirmed the core principles of liberalism, emphasizing that the state should protect individual and communal rights rather than infringe upon them. He noted the DA’s historical role as a steward of liberal values in South Africa but expressed concern about its current direction.
Van Staden further clarified that the DA, while not a Marxist-Leninist entity akin to the ANC, has nonetheless allowed itself to be ideologically influenced. He referenced comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump about property rights, acknowledging that Trump highlighted the issue of property confiscation in South Africa, which he deemed a human rights violation. Nonetheless, Van Staden criticized the DA for condemning Trump’s statements rather than holding the government accountable.
The FMF reiterated its position that the DA has been informed of the constitutional problems with the Expropriation Act and suggested that this should have been a decisive point of contention for the GNU. The FMF concluded that the DA’s actions are a significant betrayal of those who understand the importance of property rights in promoting freedom and democracy.
In response to the allegations from the FMF, Karabo Khakhau, the DA’s national spokesperson, deemed their claims unfounded. She highlighted the DA’s legal challenge against the Act, underscoring the party’s fundamental opposition due to its potential abuse of expropriation without compensation. Khakhau pointed out that the DA believes the most effective strategy lies in addressing the flawed legislative process under which the Act was passed.
In summary, the Free Market Foundation has condemned the Democratic Alliance for an alleged betrayal of liberal principles in relation to the contentious Expropriation Act. They stress the need for unwavering opposition to the Act based on its constitutional pitfalls. The DA, on the other hand, defends its stance by referencing its legal challenges to the Act, maintaining their commitment to protecting property rights in South Africa.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
