President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks in Harare have sparked political controversy after he reportedly praised Zimbabwe’s land confiscations of the early 2000s as “essential” and “ambitious.”. The comments were made while Ramaphosa attended the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show as Guest of Honour.

“The process left Zimbabwe in tatters, destroying its economy, destroying its foreign relations, and creating famine for its people,” said DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp in a statement rejecting the comments. He argued that Ramaphosa had overlooked the consequences of land seizures conducted without compensation or legal safeguards, which continue to weigh on Zimbabwe today through costly reparations and persistent instability.

The DA accused Ramaphosa of trying to bolster support for the ANC’s Expropriation Act of 2024 by holding up Zimbabwe’s model as a reference point. According to Aucamp, land reform is necessary but must remain consistent with constitutional principles and the rule of law. Expropriation without compensation, he said, cannot meet that threshold.

The party further emphasised that, as a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), it does not endorse Zimbabwe-style confiscations as part of South Africa’s formal policy. Its rejection of the remarks highlights ongoing coalition tensions over how land reform should be approached.

Observers note that Ramaphosa’s words could damage investor confidence and deepen rifts within the GNU.