TZANEEN – Thousands of residents in Nkowankowa, Deerpark, Lenyenye, and Taganshoek may soon face power outages as a legal dispute over the land housing a crucial power substation remains unresolved.

A public notice issued by Letsela Nkondo Associates Inc., legal representatives of Lindor Ondernemings, the owners of Tarentaalrand 524 LT, District 9, warns that the electricity supply could be cut off if a settlement is not reached. The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has been occupying the land without a formal lease agreement, and the property owners are now considering evicting the municipality.

The Limpopo High Court ruled on March 12, 2023, that GTM must vacate the land by April 12, 2024, and compensate the owners for damages incurred due to illegal occupation. However, a year later, negotiations have stalled.

Attorney July Mathebula stated that the municipality has failed to address the landowners’ counteroffer despite several meetings and settlement discussions.

“We have spent the past year in negotiations, but no final agreement has been reached. The last two scheduled meetings were postponed without rescheduling,” said Mathebula. GTM acknowledges that the substation sits on private property, explaining that it was originally built with the consent of the previous landowner. The current owner disputes this claim. GTM spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele confirmed that the municipality has applied to have the court’s default judgment rescinded and continues to negotiate for a fair resolution.

“We initially proposed purchasing the entire farm, but that offer was declined. We then suggested acquiring only the portion where the substation is located, which was accepted in principle, pending agreement on the price,” said Makhubele.

GTM has offered R3.2 million for the land, with independent valuers representing both parties to determine a fair market price. Following a recent meeting, the landowners gave GTM ten working days until March 26 to accept their settlement offer, the amount of which remains undisclosed.

At the time of publication, the property owners were still waiting for a response.

“Both parties are actively working through the legal process to reach an amicable resolution,” added Makhubele.

The Herald will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.