eThekwini municipality greenlights transfer of 169 properties for land claim settlements
The eThekwini municipality has approved the transfer of 169 properties to the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.
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THE eThekwini Municipality Council has officially approved the transfer of 169 properties to the State, aimed at settling various land claims on behalf of residents, in accordance with the Restitution of Land Rights Act.
A report presented to the council in December by the Human Settlements, Engineering, and Transport Committee revealed that 169 claimants have chosen to pursue settlement through the land restoration process.
The municipal land is set to be transferred to the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. This transfer will facilitate the resolution of various land claims that have been lodged with the office of the regional Land Claims Commissioner.
It is important to note that land dispossession claims to the commissioner concluded on 31 December 1998. Approximately 8,000 land claims were submitted within the municipality, with many claimants opting for financial compensation, while others sought redress through land restoration.
The Committee expressed satisfaction that all legislative processes had been adhered to. The Director of Property Valuations and Management was not required to provide the minimum level of basic municipal services and is considered surplus to the municipality's needs.
The properties will be transferred at a nominal value of R100, which is significantly below their fair market value. This decision is seen as beneficial for both the State and local communities, promoting the rights of individuals who have faced historical discrimination.
Speaking at a recent council meeting, Bheki Mngwengwe, ANC eThekwini Councillor and Chairperson of Human Settlement and Infrastructure, remarked on the historical context of land dispossession in South Africa. He stated, “(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.”
Mngwengwe further emphasised the municipality's commitment to stakeholder consultation, ensuring that land transactions meet the community's needs. He added, “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.”