Task team assembled for massive Pretoria land claim

Lekhuleni’s claim includes 500 privately owned properties, nine farms, shopping centres, churches, schools and government land.

According to the claim, Lekhuleni’s clan was removed from the land by police during the 1950s and early 1960s.

A community meeting, attended by concerned residents and AfriForum representatives, was called to discuss the matter further and set up the task team.

At the meeting, it was reportedly heard that Lekhuleni had said current owners would be able to rent the land from him on a 99-year lease agreement.

However, residents were urged not to act prematurely as Lekhuleni’s claim still had to be proven.

Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Duncan Baker said legal opinion about the December Gazette notice would urgently be sought out.

“Ward councillors of the 10 wards affected will not deal with the matter along party political lines, but rather in terms of our fiduciary duty to protect the interests of those residing and operating in our areas,” Baker said.

According to the Government Gazette, inputs opposing the claim were to be given within 60 days of its publication.

Lekhuleni’s claim comes a month after ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the ruling party was calling for a cap on land ownership in South Africa.

Mantashe said the party had suggested a maximum ownership of 12 000 hectares or two farms for both natural and all forms of legal persons.

– Caxton News Service