Angry land claimants to march to the legislature

MBOMBELA – Dissatisfied representatives of land claimants from the various communal property associations (CPAs) of KaMgadzeni, Xindzilwane, Islington, Lydenburg, and Nkomazi plan to march to the government complex to hand over a list of demands.

Mr Hendry Mashigo and Mr Willy Mndebele, the claimants’ mentor and chairperson, said executive members of different CPAs were furious with the provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Enviromental Affairs (Dardlea) for the delay in giving them back their claimed land. They also alleged to have been badly treated by the department after enquiring about progress in their claims.

“To make matters worse our delegates were intimidated and were told that if they came to the office again police would be called to arrest them. They also refused to sign our petition,” said Mashigo.

Mpumalanga News learnt that the claimants had agreed to march to the department’s offices to hand over a list of their demands, which include a call to place the department under administration. “We also want the commissioner and all projects managers at Dardlea to be fired and charged with corruption,” they said.

Mndebele urged others who might have unresolved issues with the department to support the march to be held on November 6 from Riverside Mall to the government complex.

The two also expressed their gratitude to the management of the South African Forestry Company Limited for supporting land restitution and partnering with communities once the land-claim commissions had transferred the land to the community.

Enquiries: Willy Mndebele on 079-944-2727 or email willymndebele@gmail.com.com or hdmashigo@gmail.com.