By Celani Sikhakhane
Tensions are high in Waterloo, north of Durban, as a land dispute between agriculture and agri-processing company Tongaat Hulett and the Qwabe Traditional Authority gets uglier.
The conflict comes from the occupation of Tongaat Hulett’s land by community members, allegedly with the support of the Qwabe Traditional Authority.
Tongaat Hulett, through their lawyers Shepstone & Wayle Attorneys, issued a letter demanding the community leave the land immediately.
“Our client has attempted to engage with the communities, but the Qwabe Traditional Authority has chosen to instigate the land occupation by Waterloo community members,” the lawyers said.
They warned of legal action and the potential involvement of the South African Police Service and its public order policing unit if the occupation continues.
The land dispute has been simmering for more than a decade. The Qwabe community claims ancestral ownership and filed a land claim in 1994.
Inkosi Gumede of the Qwabe Traditional Authority said a notice for potential disputes was issued in 2006, and approximately 120 farms, totalling 13,000 hectares, were gazetted.
He voiced concerns about delays in the land-claim process and alleged corruption among government officials.
Inkosi Gumede claims some officials exploited community members and advised farmers to contest the claim in court, arguing that the land was unoccupied when they began farming.
The provincial agriculture, land reform and rural development department confirmed that the Qwabe land claim was initially unsuccessful in court but was later referred to the Department of Justice after the formation of the Makhosi Khosi Community Trust.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for justice minister Ronald Lamola, acknowledged that the department was dealing with the issue but declined to provide further details because he had to attend a meeting.
Well-placed sources told Scrolla.Africa there was internal conflict in the community and accusations that some members had accepted bribes from farmers.
Pictured above: Tongaat Hulett has warned the Qwabe community to get off its land.
Image source: Supplied
