Land claim: no danger for Benoni plot community as a whole
Residents in Benoni need not fear being evicted from their properties, due to one of the largest land claims in Johannesburg to date.
According to the national gazette published on November 4, 0.0635Ha of land in Benoni Agricultural Holdings is part of the land claim.
Residents and Ward 25 councillor, Pieter Henning, haven’t yet been able to determine the exact location of the land, which is listed as portion 0 (RE) of the old farm Zesfontein 27-IR.
“There’s still not enough clarity on the matter, but in the meantime, I urge residents if they’re uncertain, to lodge objections with the commission – so they know they’re safe,” said Henning.
The claim, which was lodged by the Bakwena Ba Mare a Phogole Tribe, covers large sections of Johannesburg South and Ekurhuleni.
Klaus Heinzelmann, a Benoni Agricultural Holdings resident, said it recently came to light that there was previously also a farm called Zesfontein in Alberton.
“We’ve asked them [Commission on Restitution of Land Rights] for clarity about which Zesfontein it is: Benoni’s or Alberton’s,” he said.
“We’ve also asked where the portion of land claimed is, if it does refer to Benoni’s Zesfontein.”
He added the plot community, which has started a WhatsApp group regarding the matter, is awaiting the outcome of investigations by the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights.
“Residents are possibly afraid about the claim, having bonds and so on,” Heinzelmann added.
“Some were under the impression they might be forced off their land, but that isn’t true; it’s only a small portion and due course will be followed.”
For the full article on the land claim, get a copy of the Benoni City Times, dated December 9.
Objections
According to the government gazette, any parties affected by the land claim will have 60 business days from the publication thereof (November 4), to lodge written objections or letters of support with the commission – the deadline for objections is on February 2, 2017.
Objections can be sent to:
The Regional Land Claims Commissioner: Gauteng
Private Bag X03
Arcadia
0007
Telephone: 012 310 6500
Fax: 012 324 5812
For hand delivery, go to 9 Bailey Lane, in Arcadia, Pretoria.
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