The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party has made a raft of constitutional change proposals, and chief among them is the complete overhaul of the property clause, also known as Section 25 of the Constitution.

The proposals are made in line with the opening of the window for South Africans to propose amendments to the country’s constitution.

In response to the parliamentary call, the Jacob Zuma-led party said it has submitted a comprehensive set of constitutional amendment proposals to affirm national sovereignty, and position the constitution as a de facto transformation document that puts the interests of the citizens first, and addresses historical injustices committed against the indigenous majority.

The MK Party added that the constitutional amendments are foregrounded in amending the clause which opens up South Africa to all who live in it, to a more national interest driven clause.

“The property clause or section 25 of the Constitution that protects the property rights of beneficiaries of land theft is being amended to ensure land expropriation without compensation. This is a radical departure from the current provision which in effect forces the state to buy land from the beneficiaries of colonial and apartheid land theft,” the party said.

The party also wants the constitution amended to allow for the direct election of the president.

“Amongst the proposed amendments is the proposal for a direct Presidential Election. This will ensure the citizens their democratic right to choose their own president not determined by party political processes. The amendment doesn’t not abolish party centric presidential elections.

“Also included in the amendments is the official recognition of the Khoi and San Nama languages as official languages of the nation. This shall end the exclusion of the Khoi and San people and shall recognise their cultural and heritage to safeguard their identity,” the party added.