Diepkloof residents clash over use of City of Johannesburg land

A Diepkloof small-scale farmer, Pascalina Matshaka, has expressed dissatisfaction with Ward 26 Clr Sthembiso Mashinini for allegedly reallocating land that was initially allocated to her for agricultural purposes.

According to Matshaka, she was allocated stand 10779 at Segotsana Street in Zone 2, which was one of the illegal dumping sites next to Bopasenatla Primary School.

Due to the pollution smell affecting the learners, Matshaka allegedly approached the councillor in 2023 with the idea of converting it into a garden.

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“The reason why we requested this space is that we were a team of 10 local farmers who plant and harvest.

“The garden space that we have in the school was not enough for everyone to produce and give back to the community,” Matshaka said.

Matshaka added that approval had been received from the councillor, but to their surprise, another resident, Luvuno Nekhumbe, was allocated the space for his panel-beating business.

“He occupied and fenced the area. This came as a shock because nothing was communicated to the people I work with or to me. As a result, we are unable to apply for or receive any funding since we do not have space to work.

“Our farming project has been beneficial to the community because we have local day care centres and underprivileged learners who benefit from our work.”

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When the publication visited the area, the premises were locked.

The publication then approached Nekhumbe, who said that although he has not yet received any letter from the councillor, he has permission to occupy the space.

“Growing up in Diepkloof, this space was always filled with litter. When I first came here in 2023 to clean up the area and install a fence, there was no sign of any gardening project whatsoever.

“Matshaka approached me, informing me that she had a letter from the councillor. At the time, I did not know the relevant procedure to occupy land, but we agreed to work together.

“Our working relationship went downhill when she started using a compost that led to a severe smell and rat infestation. There were also rumours that I paid the councillor to use the land,” Nekhumbe said.

According to Mashinini, the space belongs to the City of Johannesburg and is municipal land.

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“Ward 26 has been battling serious illegal dumping on these vacant sites. I convened a community meeting to find creative, lawful solutions to stop the dumping and keep our area clean.

“The community agreed on two principles: that the land does not belong to any individual in the ward and is not for sale.

“A lot of residents have approached me about using the space for community benefit. My position has been consistent: it may be used temporarily, no permanent structures may be installed, and all occupants must accept that they will be removed when the city requires the land. That remains the case today,” Mashinini said.

He added that he is aware of allegations that a certain resident holds a lease to the property.

“This is false. I request that the person provide the lease agreement to the city and to my office immediately. Misleading the community or using my name to trend on social media will not be tolerated.

“My duty is to protect city assets and serve residents. I will not allow municipal land to be unlawfully occupied or sold by individuals.

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“I will continue working with the City of Johannesburg to secure a long-term, formal solution for these erven that benefits the whole community.

“Any queries can be directed to my office at 1729 Talane Street, Diepkloof Zone 1.”