The land claims process is progressing well a day after the first claimants lodged their claims following the announcement of the re-opening by the Department of Rural Development. A steady stream of claimants have made their way to designated lodgement sites around the country to lodge claims for land from which they lost due to the racially biased laws and policies of the past.
The reopening of the window for land claims to individuals, families and communities who were dispossessed of their land by the 1913 Natives Land Act and subsequent legislation got underway yesterday (1st July 2014) after the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act was signed into law. South Africans who were dispossessed of their land after 1913 are encouraged to lodge claims for restitution.
Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Gugile Nkwinti said the re-opening is for a period of five years ending June 2019. He added that the department is prepared to deal with all new claims including the fast tracking of the existing claims that were lodged during the initial re-opening period.
The process accommodates those who did not submit restitution claims before the 1998 cutoff date. Individuals and communities whose submitted their claims before the initial 1998 deadline and were rejected cannot resubmit claims for the same land. The department has published a manual in all South African languages including Brail on how to lodge a claim. These are being distributed throughout the country and can be found of the department’s website at www.ruraldevelopment.gov.za.
An electronic lodgement form has been developed with security features, no forms will be distributed at the sites. The department is also aware of individuals selling fraudulent claim form, members of the approached by such individuals must report to the police. It is illegal to submit a fraudulent claim, including not disclosing other potential interested parties. It is also an offence to prevent or obstruct anyone from lodging a claim.
Communities and individuals suspecting fraudulent activities can also contact the government anti-fraud hotline number 0800 701 701.
Information on the location of the lodgement offices, criteria for qualification, and a copy of the manual, is available from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s website: www.ruraldevelopment.gov.za or toll free number: 0800 007 095.
The information can also be obtained by sending a message to the email address: claim@ruraldevelopment.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Linda Page, Chief Director Communication services
Cell: 083 460 4482
Tel: 012 312 9648
Twitter: @DRDLR_online
