Transnet demolishes land invaders’ homes at Umhlali village

Railway police removed shacks erected by land invaders next to the old station at Umhlali village last week. 

In recent weeks a number of people have been attempting to unlawfully occupy the vacant land in the vicinity of Umhlali Business Park.

The land is owned by Transnet Freight Rail. 

Ward 22 Councillor Privi Makhan said the natural vegetation on the site was cleared almost 2 weeks ago – a clear indication that further invasions were imminent. 

“Mitigation measures should have been undertaken when I first reported the matter to the various departments earlier this year. The lack of proactive steps to secure a state owned asset from land invasion is deeply concerning. The activity underway also compromises the safety of ratepayers and residents,” said Makhan. 

Transnet representatives served notices to the land invaders last weekend and private security and railway police demolished some of the structures already erected last Thursday. 

Makhan said it was important for security to patrol and monitor the site to prevent future invasions. 

Touted as one of the fastest growing populations in the province, the demand for low-cost housing from KwaDukuza’s department of human settlements has increased substantially in the past few years. 

Last year land invaders at a municipal-owned site in Sheffield increased from around 25 shacks to more than 300.

The settlement spreads across a green belt and borders an upmarket housing estate where plots sell for up to R3 million.

Lack of water, sanitation, and solid waste removal have created challenging living conditions for the 300 shack dwellers in the informal settlement.

Despite being evicted from the same area at the beginning of last year, the settlement has continued to grow.

Makhan called on all levels of government, including private and civic sector, to come to the table to solve the greater socio-economic crisis facing the country.

“While the need for affordable housing remains a massive challenge, the issue of land invasions needs to be dealt with swiftly and within the confines of the law.

Property owners should take responsibility for their immovable assets by ensuring the sites are fenced and secured where possible.

Further to this, state-owned entities such as Transnet need to have co-ordinated strategies, including stakeholder engagement.

The unfortunate reality of land invasion is that vulnerable communities get taken advantage of by opportunists,” said Makhan.