BLF ‘expropriates’ and occupies land in Midrand

About 230 stands have been allocated on the land as part of the BLF's land expropriation programme, secretary-general Siphesihle Jele says.

Members of the Black First Land First (BLF) Ivory Park sub-region embarked on a land expropriation programme at President Park in Midrand on 11 March, Midrand Reporter reports.

Secretary-general of the BLF Siphesihle Jele said about 230 stands have been allocated on the land as part of their land expropriation programme. He said that was a third phase of the initiative in the area, which started in Valley View in September last year.

“In all instances, we try and negotiate with relevant departments, but we did not get feedback. There are people living on the Valley View land who have already built shacks and permanent structures,” he said.

Jele said there’s a list that’s used to allocate people stands according to their living conditions. “We have been waiting for so long for the government to redistribute land. While the issue of land expropriation is being discussed in parliament we will go ahead and take the land.”

Members of Black First Land First occupying vacant land at President Park.

He said while they grab the land without compensation, they do consider the town planning. “We do consider the town planning, which is the reason we first try and negotiate with the relevant departments before moving onto the land.”

MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said he was aware of the land invasion and the metro police had been deployed to ensure law and order.

“It is one of the many land invasions that took place around the city on the day. It is very concerning. Owners of the land need to take the necessary legal steps to protect the land,” said Sun.