Breakdown in Tarentaalrand substation debacle

TZANEEN – Negotiations between the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) and Lindor Ondernemings, the owners of the land on which the Tarentaalrand substation stands, have broken down once more.

Eighteen months since the dispute began, the matter remains unresolved despite months of talks.

Read more: Tzaneen power supply at risk due to dispute 

The legal battle stems from GTM’s occupation of the Tarentaalrand 524 LT property without a formal lease agreement. On March 12, 2023, the Limpopo High Court ruled that GTM must vacate the land by April 12, 2024, and pay damages for unlawful occupation.

Since then, both parties have engaged in settlement discussions, and at one point appeared close to agreement.

Also read: Talks progress in Tarentaalrand substation land dispute

However, communication has stalled again.

“In the last month, we have had no communication from GTM. If this continues for another week, we will proceed with publishing a public notice to have them removed from the property,” said July Mathebula, a lawyer with Letsela Nkondo Associates Inc., representing Lindor Ondernemings. “That said, we remain hopeful a common ground can still be found, and the matter resolved amicably.”

Also read: Tzaneen substation land dispute sees no progress

The dispute carries serious implications for communities such as Nkowankowa, Lenyenye, and Deer Park, which depend on the Tarentaalrand substation for electricity. If GTM fails to meet Lindor’s demands, residents could face months without power.

The Herald will continue to follow developments in this story.