The Tshwane Metro recently completed the ceremonial handover of a 4 960m² piece of municipal land to the Saint Engenas Zionist Christian Church (ZCC), following an over decade-long delay.

The ceremony, held at 34 Struben Street in Pretoria Central on July 23, sought to rectify previous maladministration in handling the ZCC’s land dispute.

MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Flora Monama, said that land allocated to the church had deteriorated following the delays, and that its official handover signifies the church’s pledge to ensuring it does not fall back into the same state.

“Historically, this site had deteriorated into an illegal construction rubble dumping site and was unlawfully occupied. By placing this land into the hands of Saint Engenas ZCC, the city is not only honouring a decade-old obligation but also turning an urban eyesore into a beacon of hope, community support, and spiritual growth,” Monama said.

The process started in 2014 when Council agreed to donate a piece of land in Daspoort to the Saint Engenas ZCC.

However, the donation was paused because the land was later set aside for government offices and handed over to the National Department of Public Works in 2015.

Because the initial 2014 donation resolution had never been formally rescinded, it created a legal contradiction that left the matter unresolved for over ten years.

Monama says that to remedy the issue, the city engaged directly with church leadership to identify suitable alternative sites within Pretoria’s CBD.

On April 30, Council officially rescinded the 2014 decision and approved the replacement donation of municipal land parcels in Pretoria Central.

“The City of Tshwane is immensely proud to achieve this landmark handover. Municipal land belongs to the residents of Tshwane, and its true value is measured by how effectively it improves lives, restores dignity, and revitalises our capital city.

“The city extends its deep gratitude to the leadership and members of the ZCC for their patience, partnership, and steadfast commitment to serving our communities. Faith-based organisations remain essential partners to local government in driving social cohesion, offering moral guidance, and assisting vulnerable families across Tshwane,” Monama said.

Tshwane Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, echoed Monama’s sentiments, asserting that turning what once was an illegal dumping site into a communal space for faith and worship is exact intended purpose for municipal land.

“Municipal assets must be managed responsibly to strengthen communities and create legacies for the residents of Tshwane. The handover reflects the city’s commitment to implementing council decisions in a transparent, accountable and lawful manner,” Moya said.

Deputy-Mayor and Finance MMC, Eugene Modise, says that the handover is not merely a council resolution or a suggestion, but it is a covenant between the city and its people.

Modise also says that this is just the start and that other churches remain firmly within the metro’s plans, and they will be finalising their donations as well.

Watch here: https://x.com/Flora_Monama01/status/2080268141322482122/video/1