Mar 3, 2018

South Africa votes to transfer land from white to black farmers

South Africa's new president Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: Mike Hutchings / AFP / Getty Images

South Africa's parliament voted 241-83 on a motion that would allow land to be transferred from white to black land owners without financial compensation, the Independent reports.

"This original sin that was committed when our country was colonised must be resolved in a way that will take South Africa forward."
— President Cyril Ramaphosa

Why it matters: Ramaphosa, said he wanted to resolve racial disparities in land ownership "once and for all," per the Independent. The motion was opposed by the Democratic Alliance party, which argues this will "undermine property rights and scare off potential investors."

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