The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform would like to issue a stern warning to unscrupulous characters that are hell-bent on swindling South Africans of their hard- earned money, promising them to lodge land claims on their behalf.
This clarion call happens within the context of the pending re-opening of lodgement of land claims. It has come to the attention of the department that there are people who are collecting money from unsuspecting community members saying that they will help them with their land claims.
As the department, we want to put it on record that application forms for lodging claims, together with Citizens manual will be distributed free of charge to South Africans. Communities and individuals who have failed to lodge land claims before the 1998 cut-off date are encouraged to be careful about these individuals and should be ready for the next window of opportunity.
The Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Gugile Nkwinti conducted a series of workshops with land reform beneficiaries in 2010 and 2011. The consultative workshops were conducted in order to determine the impact of land reform programme in the lives of rural people. During such workshops, those who have benefited from land reform said that a lot of people affected by land dispossessions were left out, while land sector NGO’S said most of the affected communities were unaware of the 1998 cut-off date.
After these consultative workshops, the Minister then approached the cabinet asking for the second chance of re-opening of land claims. The re-opening will take place against the back-drop of the country marking 100 years of 1913 Natives’ Land Act, which was promulgated on 19 June 1913.
The second window of opportunity will cater for those who have missed out on the 1998 cut-off date, and, would explore Exceptions to the 1913 cut-off date for heritage sites, historical land marks and for the descendants of KHOI and SAN communities. The process will kick-start soon after the president has signed the Restitution amendment Act in to law.
Enquiries:
Mr Mtobeli Mxotwa
Tel: 021 461 1684
Cell: 083 578 9023
