By Paul Joseph
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has said foreign nationals who legally own property in the country are free to sell their assets before leaving, stressing that only properties recognised under South African law enjoy legal protection.
Speaking on the issue, Ntshavheni explained that all legitimate assets are officially registered through relevant government systems. She noted that houses are recorded with the Deeds Register, vehicles are registered through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), businesses with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), while rented office spaces are documented by landlords.
The minister also called for information on locations allegedly being used for illegal drug activities, saying authorities are prepared to act on credible intelligence to dismantle such operations and strengthen the country’s fight against drug-related crime.
Ntshavheni further maintained that informal settlements and illegally erected structures are not recognised as legal property under South African law. According to her, the government will continue to remove unlawful settlements in line with court rulings and will not provide compensation for structures considered illegal.
She added that foreign nationals with legally registered properties remain free to dispose of them through the country’s property market before relocating, reaffirming that only assets acquired and registered in accordance with the law are protected.
The minister said the government’s position is aimed at enforcing existing laws while ensuring that legally owned properties remain subject to the country’s established legal and property systems.
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