THE ANC Youth League has proposed amending the property clause in the Constitution to empower the state to expropriate private property, particularly land and mines, without compensation.

"Amendment of the property clause to empower the state to expropriate for public purpose and in the public interest is therefore vital," the ANCYL's document on economic transformationx, which was released yesterday reads.

"Constitutional limitations to this noble obligation of the democratic government should therefore be aligned to the values of redress and the need to bring dignity to the lives of many South Africans."

ANCYL leader Julius Malema raised this at the close of the league's national general council last year. The discussion documents were released ahead of the ANCYL's national congress in June, when the proposals would be discussed.

According to the document, the ANC has a responsibility to move towards the attainment of the Freedom Charter's objectives for the people to share in the country's wealth.