eThekwini Municipality to transfer properties for land claims restitution

THE eThekwini Municipality Council has approved the transfer of 169 properties to the State, a decision that aims to facilitate the settlement of various land claims lodged by residents in accordance with the Restitution of Land Rights Act. This landmark decision underscores a commitment to rectifying historical injustices related to land dispossession, a critical issue that continues to resonate within South African society.

The resolution came as a result of a report presented to the council in December by the Human Settlements, Engineering, and Transport Committee. In the report, it was revealed that the 169 claimants had opted for settlement through the land restoration process rather than financial compensation. This transfer is expected to occur at a nominal fee of R100, deemed necessary to promote the rights of individuals historically disadvantaged by systemic discrimination.

These municipal properties will be transferred to the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, further enabling the settlement of various land claims lodged with the regional Land Claims Commissioner. It is pertinent to note that the deadline for land dispossession claims was set at 31 December 1998, and since then, approximately 8,000 claims have reportedly been lodged within the eThekwini municipality. While a majority of claimants have chosen financial compensation, the 169 individuals participating in this current process represent a significant shift towards land restoration.

Bheki Mngwengwe, ANC eThekwini Councillor and Chairperson of Human Settlement and Infrastructure, addressed the council during a recent meeting, shedding light on the profound implications of this transfer. "The history of the country is marred by the dispossession of land from its rightful owners," he stated. "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."

According to Mngwengwe, the municipality's commitment to engaging stakeholders is crucial in ensuring that land transactions effectively serve community needs. He highlighted that land reform is central to addressing social issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality, with the potential for the restored properties to be developed productively, ultimately generating income for the municipality.

Moreover, the Director of Property Valuations and Management has determined that the properties in question are surplus to the municipality's requirements and will not necessitate the provision of essential municipal services.

This assessment further emphasises the strategic importance of facilitating land restitution as a means of fostering community development and economic growth.