As you would agreee, municipal land is crucial for driving development and improving lives within its boundaries. However, an orginisation’s cunning plan resulted in illegal land grabs and unauthorised sales in eMadlangeni (Utrecht), KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the eMadlangeni Municipality’s Communications Unit, it had come to light that an unauthorised entity, the Msweli Traditional Council, had been illicitly selling municipal land.
This land, located between the P498 roadway (connecting Utrecht to Osizweni) and Umgala Man, is officially designated as erf 10 000 and the Remainder of erf 1012.
Speaking on the matter, Utrecht’s Mayor, Councillor Mzwakhe Buthelezi, explained that upon discovering the violation, he promptly took steps to address it. “I requested a list of all the traditional councils in the area as to first establish if this was an actual traditional council,” he stated.
Following inquiries into the orginisation, it was found that the Msweli Traditional Council lacked legitimacy, placing it under municipal scrutiny.
In response, the eMadlangeni Municipality filed a formal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding the fraudulent sale of its land. Councillor Buthelezi confirmed that one individual now faces criminal charges, highlighting the offense’s twofold impact: it has compromised municipal authority while also imposing significant financial burdens on residents seeking to improve their livelihoods.
Adding to this, the municipality’s Communications Unit issued a stern warning to those considering illegal purchases of municipal property.
“Individuals who enter into transactions for this land will face significant financial losses and other serious legal consequences. In light of these unlawful activities, we advise all residents and potential buyers to exercise extreme caution and due diligence.”
Furthermore, the municipality made clear that any individuals found trespassing on this property or attempting to construct structures will face rigorous legal prosecution.
As the eMadlangeni Municipality takes action regarding the above issues, what exactly are large sections of municipal land, across South Africa, intended for? We look at what the goverment says.
Urban Development and Infrastructure
Municipal land forms the foundation for essential infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, and public utilities. These initiatives support growing urban populations, ensuring access to critical services while fostering sustainable development. The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) of 2013 provides municipalities with a comprehensive legal framework to manage and regulate land use effectively.
· Source: Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013
Housing and Settlement
In the context of South Africa’s persistent housing shortage, municipal land is allocated for affordable housing programs, offering support to low-income families. This allocation helps reduce the spread of informal settlements.
· Source: Department of Human Settlements
Public Services and Community Facilities
Municipalities utilise land to develop key public amenities, such as parks, libraries, community centres, and administrative offices. These facilities enhance residents’ quality of life by providing opportunities for recreation, education, and local governance.
· Source: South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Economic Development
Municipal land drives economic growth by supporting commercial and industrial developments, such as markets and business hubs. Innovative tools, such as the Municipal Permission to Use Land, enable temporary or specialised uses, promoting job creation and strengthening local economies.
· Source: Municipal Land Use Planning By-law, 2020
Environmental Protection
Additionally, municipalities designate land for conservation purposes, creating parks or nature reserves to protect biodiversity and provide residents with natural havens. Zoning regulations under SPLUMA and related legislation ensure sustainable practices in ecologically sensitive areas.
· Source: National Environmental Management Act, 1998
With this in mind, do you beleive your local municipality is using its land resources as best as possible? What else do you beleive this land could be used for? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below?
Comments 3
As the saying goes ” Karma is a bi*ch”
In all honesty, the government made a rule of land expropriation as a promise to ensure that all “previously disadvantaged individuals” (minorities not included) will be given a piece of land from this unlawful decision. No fault of the people as they knew no better and enacted by what was professed to them, and grabbed the spare land.
Reading the article, suggests that one should have new respect for municipal officials – as who would have thought that the very same officials who take moons to react to any service delivery issues, suddenly gained super hero powers and immediatly stopped the expropriation of “their ” land, by displaying the powers they are entitled to.
And then it dawns on one – when hardworking individuals try to save their land, and who are totally powerless against unfair laws and ruthless politicians – they are immediately labelled as racist and treasonists for trying to seek external intervention and assistance in an attempt for justice.
This incident clearly defines the true narrative of our government – “take the land from the minorities, my people – you deserve it – and no-one can stop you, because it truly belongs to you – But you cant try to take this spare land as its different from the ones that you are “allowed” to take and if you try, we will arrest you and throw away the keys”
Hypocricy amplified to the maximum – and people are just too ignorant to see it – the government clearly has no interest in the welfare of the people of South Africa, and would rather ignite racial hatred and violence,just to move the attention away from them lining their pockets and looking out only for their personal well being and fondly using apartheid as their shield of armor only to protect themselves from their failures, corruption, lies and criminalities!
It would be interesting to see the deed of sale and how the municipality took legal ownership of that land just as a gesture to remind many, that people who do own land in this country -had nothing to do with the 1820 settlers – but rather they worked very hard and bought or bartered/traded for it- many through generational inheritence as well, but overall, majority have rightfully earned it.
This truly reminds me of the story: The Battle of Bald Men and a Comb; the Government also has acres of unused land – but will not expropriate that land – understanding that the land is useless to them – What have they actually built in 30 years ?????
Not so lekker when the tables are turned huh?
I understand that the editor/publisher of this article requested opinions and comments from the public so I trust that you will not delete my above comments as Im quite sure that many might lash out at me, and If you do please do so from an educated perspective.
What about mix heritage losing their heritage farms and houses and plots can government get ot back to our coloreds and black africans
Part of that land is our ancestral land we tried to fight for it back cos the remains of our forefathers and foremothers are lying there and we also believe there’s mining taking place as we speak on our land. Unfortunately the gun crazy people and faked trust members are running the show and hijacked everything. They know, Ndlovu clan, Mhlungu, Mfusi, and so on are real owners of that peace of land at Emadlangeni. Hopefully someone can raise his or her hand and fight with us to get or be compensated for what is being ours.