Government Reforms on Illegal Land Invasions

Statement by Luyolo Mphithi MP – DA Spokesperson on Human Settlements:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the publication of the draft Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Amendment Bill for public comment.

This development marks a clear step forward in addressing the crisis of illegal land invasions. The core reforms now being advanced by the Department were first introduced by the DA in Parliament in 2023.

At the time, the DA tabled legislation to:

• Criminalise the incitement and organisation of unlawful land invasions, including where no payment is involved
• Strengthen the criteria courts must consider when granting eviction orders
• Empower courts to order alternative accommodation with clear conditions and timeframes

The DA’s Bill, introduced in 2023, was formally presented to the Portfolio Committee in 2025, where the Department of Human Settlements indicated its agreement with the substance of the DA’s approach and undertook to bring forward its own Bill to be tabled by the Minister of Human Settlements in early 2026.

The draft now published reflects that agreement. Key provisions advanced by the DA are now embedded in the Department’s Bill, which goes even further to tackle this crisis head on.

This is how Parliament should work. Constructive, evidence-based proposals must shape policy, regardless of where they originate.

Illegal land invasions place immense strain on municipalities, undermine spatial planning, and erode the rule of law. At the same time, millions of South Africans remain on lawful housing waiting lists.

South Africa cannot sustain a system where illegality is rewarded and legality is undermined.

The DA remains committed to practical, enforceable reform that restores order to land use, protects property rights, and ensures that housing delivery is fair, lawful and sustainable.

We thank the Minister for attending to this matter with speed, and encourage all South Africans to participate in the public comment process over the next 60 days.

Within the Government of National Unity, the DA will continue to drive reforms that are grounded in law, evidence, and the lived realities of communities across the country.