Julius Malema on Land Reform

Julius Malema, as the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has consistently and vocally demanded the constitutional amendment of Section 25 to permit land expropriation without compensation. His core stance is that this measure is a necessary corrective for historical injustice, asserting that the time for reconciliation regarding land ownership is over and that it is now time for justice. He has argued that the land was stolen by settlers and that the current owners should not be compensated for illegally acquired property, framing the demand as essential for restoring the dignity of the people. This position was formally brought before the National Assembly in February 2018 through a motion he sponsored, which garnered majority support from the ruling party.

This advocacy is positioned as the necessary alternative to the 'willing-buyer, willing-seller' approach, which he and his party reject entirely. The push for expropriation without compensation is also tied to developing food security, with the argument that land redistribution must precede discussions on agricultural production. While his proposals have been met with staunch opposition from other parties concerned about undermining property rights and scaring investors, his rhetoric consistently frames the issue as a non-negotiable path forward to close the historical chapter of dispossession.