Democratic Alliance Criticises Ramaphosa Over Comments On Zimbabwe Land Reform

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest political party, has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for describing Zimbabwe’s early-2000s land reform programme as “essential” and “ambitious.”

Speaking at the official opening of the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on 29 August, Ramaphosa said the programme was important for historical redress, enhancing food security, fostering development, and supporting economic growth.

DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the party rejects Ramaphosa’s remarks, arguing that the land reform process left Zimbabwe’s economy in ruins, strained foreign relations, and contributed to widespread food insecurity. He added:

“Because land was not legally transferred, the failed Zimbabwe model praised by Ramaphosa led to crippling financial reparations being due to former farmers and land owners.

“Ramaphosa is attempting to whitewash the disaster in Zimbabwe, to create momentum for the ANC’s land expropriation agenda in terms of the Expropriation Act of 2025.”

Aucamp said the DA strongly supports addressing past injustices, particularly through fair and lawful land reform that restores dignity and economic opportunity.

He stressed that such redress must operate within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law, which he said Expropriation Without Compensation does not uphold.

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