Jubilation as title deeds handed over to Amakhosi
The chief has hope that more land claims will be compensated.
Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza together with the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi and MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Ntuthuko Mahlaba handed over title deeds to local authorities in KwaNdwalane, KwaNzimakwe and KwaMbotha at Betania sports ground last Friday.
Local government leaders were also part of this programme where title deeds were given to Inkosi Sazi Ndwalane, Inkosi Bhekizizwe Nzimakwe and Inkosi Mbotho from Harding.
The handover brings to finality claims for rights to land lost by these areas under the 1913 Natives’ Land Act, following a settlement through the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights that procured the land at a cost of R282 073 169 for the communities.
A statement released by the spokesperson of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Reggie Ngcobo stated that restoration of land benefits approximately 6 177 beneficiaries
“It is important to note that nearly 50% of the beneficiary total is from female-headed households.”
Didiza said it is being done to wipe their tears because the land was taken away from Amakhosi without their approval and they were not given any compensation.
“The land was forcefully taken from the owners because it was rich soil.”
Inkosi Ndwalane said that he is excited because it is now the official handover which they have been waiting for since 2010.
“We now have rights to this land even though we have been using it. We hope they will give us more because we had claimed other land, so we are hopeful.”
Ndwalane said they have removed sugarcane in most of these areas and have started producing macadamia nuts.
At present, the land is used for agricultural purposes to produce timber, sugarcane, macadamia nuts and bananas.
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