TZANEEN – Talks between the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) and the owners of the land housing the Tarentaalrand substation are progressing smoothly, according to Letsela Nkondo Associates Inc., legal representatives of Lindor Ondernemings.

The dispute arose after it was revealed that GTM had been occupying the Tarentaalrand 524 LT plot without a formal lease agreement. Lindor Ondernemings took the municipality to court, leading to a ruling by the Limpopo High Court on March 12, 2023. The court ordered GTM to vacate the land by April 12, 2024, and compensate the owners for damages incurred due to unlawful occupation.

While negotiations between the parties recently stalled, progress now suggests a settlement may soon be reached. The dispute has raised concerns about the electricity supply to key areas within GTM, including Nkowankowa, Deerpark, and Lenyenye.

Letsela attorney July Mathebula confirmed to the Herald that discussions were being well-managed.

“We have agreed on certain aspects and are waiting for a few outstanding issues to be resolved. We have given the municipality seven working days to respond. These unresolved matters are crucial to the proposal, but I believe we will reach an agreement soon,” Mathebula stated.

GTM spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele assured residents that negotiations would not disrupt the power supply.

“Both parties are actively working through the legal process to reach an amicable resolution,” Makhubele said, adding that the legal proceedings are focused solely on the land dispute and will not affect electricity services.