KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) is taking proactive measures to address the ongoing issue of illegal land invasions by proposing short-term leasing of municipal land.

This initiative, which is awaiting council approval, aims to protect municipal assets and ensure that land earmarked for housing projects remains available for its intended purpose.

The proposed leasing plan seeks to deter illegal land occupation while long-term human settlement projects and funding are being finalised.

Illegal land invasions have long plagued KwaDukuza, incurring significant costs for security and legal proceedings.

Previous cases, such as the lease for Hyde Park and partnerships with sugarcane growers such as Tongaat Hulett, have proven effective in safeguarding municipal land.

The council now plans to refine these agreements, ensuring they align more closely with the municipality’s housing development goals.

KDM has acquired land for human settlements over the years with assistance from the KZN Department of Human Settlements, but recurring land invasions and unauthorised sale of municipal property have jeopardised the rights of registered beneficiaries.

The leasing strategy aims to address these challenges while generating revenue to offset the costs of managing land invasions.

Lessees will be responsible for protecting the land, which will reduce the municipality’s security and legal expenses. Moreover, the plan is expected to create short-term employment opportunities related to land management.

To preserve the intended use of the land, all leases will be limited to a maximum of five years and can be terminated if funding for housing becomes available.

Lessees will also be prohibited from constructing permanent structures, ensuring flexibility for future use.

KwaDukuza spokesperson Sifiso Zulu reiterated that while the idea had been presented to council, it was not yet approved.

“It was referred back to management for refinement and thereafter presented at the envisaged council workshop,” said Zulu.

He said there are over 20 housing projects currently at various stages of development, with a projected total yield of 14 000 to 16 000 housing units.

Democratic Alliance councillor Bulelwa Mvulana, who serves on the human settlement portfolio, expressed her support for the proposal, describing it as a much-needed intervention.

“We remain resolute that it will translate into an implementable resolution. We call for bold action steps to address this crisis, as frustration from the intended beneficiaries of several housing projects has reached an untenable tipping point,” said Mvulana.

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