NEWCASTLE – The municipality has found itself front and center in a land grab in Madadeni.
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At an Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, SED for Development Planning and Human Settlements, Nokuthula Thusi elaborated on this contentious matter.
The land, curated by the Pietermaritzburg-based Ingonyama Trust, was invaded in September.
Mrs Thusi explained the matter was taken up by the Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane and Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi at the time, whose collective concern was this problem would eventually become their ‘baby’.
Cllr Nkosi added the land was state property, and not solely the municipality’s.
“We went out one Saturday and it was clear this invasion was strategic.”
Explaining this statement, Cllr Nkosi said the residents who invaded the land did so to bring attention to their plight, and perhaps compel the municipality to provide housing.
Residents were asked to create a forum, and elect leaders to speak on their behalf.
Cllr Nkosi said the residents had proven stubborn, and balked at the opportunity to meet with municipal officials and discuss the matter around the table.
In light of this refusal, the municipality served residents with eviction notices.
“We have protected our interests as best we could.”
The municipality’s concern is the invaders themselves, who likened their cause to that of the Marikana mineworkers, and stated they would die for their land.
However, not all of the invading residents’ intentions are pure.
Mentioning a local physician who had also claimed squatters’ rights, Cllr Nkosi expressed concern there would be a serious confrontation on that land soon.
As it stands, this is the third invasion of the land by the same residents.
After back and forth debate, ANC councillor, Nkosinathi Zwane requested his fellow Exco members deal with this matter in terms of legislative processes, and not with their emotions.
“The issue of being involved or not must have a cost balance exercise to govern it.”
Cllr Zwane was of the opinion, if the Ingonyama Trust decided to cut its losses with regard to the land, the responsibility would fall on the municipality by default.
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He said it was important to know what either of those paths would cost the municipality.
“Mass eviction is a very expensive thing,” he cautioned.
In wrapping up the matter, the suggestion from Cllr Zwane was agreed upon, and Cllr Nkosi asked the matter remain a standing item until its ultimate resolution.
