THE LOWLY NEWSPAPERMAN: Wrangles over expropriation and Metro Cops risk sinking to needless GNU depths

In a peculiar week for the Government of National Unity (GNU), Ashor Sarupen, the deputy minister of finance, found himself leading a delegation from the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the Western Cape High Court. Sarupen, chairperson of the DA's Federal Council, was there to challenge the Expropriation Act, which his own department is meant to implement.

His DA colleague, Dean Macpherson, the public works minister, was also a respondent in the case. AfriForum, a group staunchly opposed to transformation, joined the GNU partner in the application. Additionally, Vaderland Stigting, a Christian cultural movement promoting Boer-Afrikaner interests, was part of the proceedings.

The case highlights the challenges faced by the GNU when separate entities must present a unified front. While the GNU functions in unison, certain issues require clearer leadership to prevent needless confrontations. The Expropriation Act has been portrayed as an "ANC land grab," with opposition seen as whites resisting economic transformation. The rush to include the Act in the 2024 ANC manifesto may have contributed to its flawed passage through Parliament, leading to challenges by the opposition.

Meanwhile, the Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, is embroiled in a dispute with the acting police commissioner over the SAPS withholding investigative powers from the Metro Police. Mayor Hill-Lewis argues that the city's Metro Police should have the authority to investigate certain crimes, as they currently have to hand cases over to the SAPS.

This results in suspects being released when the SAPS cannot build a strong case for the National Prosecuting Authority to convict. Mayor Hill-Lewis contends that empowering Metro Police to investigate and build a strong case would help combat gang, gun, and drug crime more effectively. The matter will be mediated, and if unsuccessful, it may proceed to court.