The eThekwini Municipality Council has given the green light for the transfer of 169 properties to the State for the settlement of various land claims on behalf of residents, in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. 

A report presented to the council in December by the Human Settlements, Engineering, and Transport Committee stated that 169 claimants opted for settlement through the land restoration process.

The municipal land is expected to be transferred to the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development for the settlement of various land claims lodged with the office of the regional Land Claims Commissioner. 

Land dispossession claims to the commissioner ended on 31 December 1998.  Approximately 8,000 land claims were lodged within the municipality. The report stated that most claimants opted for financial compensation, while others sought redress in the form of land restoration. 

The Committee was satisfied that legislative processes had been complied with.

The Director: Property Valuations and Management was not required to provide the minimum level of basic Municipal services and is regarded as surplus to the requirements of the municipality.

The transfer of these properties for less than their fair market value due to the restoration of land was deemed to be in the interest of the State and the local communities. The transfer will occur at a nominal value of R100 to promote the rights of individuals disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. 

Speaking at a recent council meeting, Bheki Mngwengwe, ANC eThekwini Councillor, currently serving as the Chairperson of Human Settlement and Infrastructure, said the history of the country is marred by the dispossession of land from its rightful owners. 

“(This is) A legacy that has left deep scars on our communities. In eThekwini alone, thousands of claims were launched. We have taken a significant step forward in fulfilling a promise of justice. This is not a mere administrative act, but a practicable expression of a vision where land is shared with its inhabitants. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that it is used productively,” he said. 

Mngwengwe said that the municipality is committed to stakeholder consultation and ensuring that land transactions serve the needs of the community. 

“ Land reform is at the heart of efforts to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These properties can be developed productively and generate income for the municipality,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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