Mokgolobotho residents still displaced 6 months after demolitions
Families in Mokgolobotho village near Tzaneen say they are still struggling to rebuild six months after the municipality demolished their homes.
TZANEEN – Residents of Mokgolobotho village just outside Tzaneen on the R36 say they are still struggling to rebuild their lives six months after their homes were demolished, leaving many families displaced and traumatised.
Several affected community members describe their current situation as devastating, with some families forced to share small rental rooms while trying to gather resources to rebuild.
In September last year, the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) demolished houses built illegally on vacant land in Mokgolobotho, after repeated warnings to residents over a number of years and obtaining a High Court order to proceed.
Residents claim demolitions happened without notice
However, community member Elliot Rapitsi alleges that the demolitions were carried out without proper notice or due process.
He claims that residents did not receive eviction letters or formal notifications warning them that they were occupying land deemed unsuitable.
“During the demolition, the GTM didn’t send letters of eviction or proper notices. I only received a personal letter much later, after years of staying there,” said Rapitsi.
“For three years, I was never formally served with any document indicating that we were living in the wrong place.”
Confusion over land ownership
Residents further argue that confusion over land ownership has worsened the situation.
Some believe the land falls under traditional leadership rather than government control, creating uncertainty about who holds responsibility for allocating land or providing alternative housing.
“There is a system where lawyers can apply through an electronic court for agent applications, but the community does not understand how to access or use it,” said Rapitsi.
“People don’t know what steps to take, and there has been no response for more than six months.”
Community calls for urgent intervention
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention from both municipal authorities and traditional leaders to provide clarity, accountability, and sustainable housing solutions.
