Polokwane council debates illegal land grab
A heated debate in Polokwane Council over illegal land occupation near Seshego sees ANC and DA opposing, while EFF defends it as land reform.
POLOKWANE – A heated debate erupted in the Polokwane Municipal Council on January 30 over the alleged illegal occupation of land outside Seshego.
The issue, which has divided political parties, saw DA and ANC councillors condemning the occupation of both private and municipal land, while EFF members defended and praised the move as part of their stance on land expropriation without compensation. Speaker Welheminah Modiba called for order as members exchanged accusations, with the EFF briefly apologising for remarks deemed reckless.
DA councillor Jacques Joubert, however, dismissed the apology as insincere, pointing out that land allocation near Juju Valley had continued into February.
Reports suggest that individuals registering at EFF offices in Zone 1 were allocated stands and encouraged to construct makeshift dwellings.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that structures were being erected, with some claiming that the process was overseen by EFF representatives. While sources close to the party leadership alleged an agreement with the landowner, efforts to contact the owner were unsuccessful.
EFF provincial chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo reiterated the party’s support for the land occupation and called on the municipality to provide water and electricity to the settlers, denying claims that the land was seized without consent.
Meanwhile, a separate section of land in the same area has reportedly been occupied without the owner’s permission, with allegations that ANC members are behind these allocations.
The municipality has urged illegal settlers to vacate the land, warning that failure to do so could result in eviction and legal action.
Officials have confirmed that should municipal land be occupied, by-laws will be enforced, structures removed, and legal steps taken.
Polokwane Mayor John Mpe stated earlier in January that discussions were ongoing with Juju Valley landowners regarding formal land allocation, with further engagements expected in council.
He also highlighted efforts to collaborate with developers to make land available for commercial ventures, including shopping centres and other economic activities planned for the area.
