R3.4 million compensation for lost rights in land
Acting mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality councillor Lucy Ncha handed over financial vouchers to the Khumalo’s family at Karibu lodge on Friday amounted to R3.4 million.
This came after the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwiti approved R3.4 million payments to the Khumalo family as compensation for the lost rights in land. Each of the 21 households in the Khumalo family received R162 493, 87.
The Khumalo family had occupied the land at Mohlaba’s location presently Khujwane Village in the 19th century prior to dispossession.
According to Rural Development and Land Reform, the family lodged a claim on the basis of beneficial occupation rights because they lived on the land for more than ten years after 1913 until they were removed in 1964.
The family was dispossessed of its rights due to the racially discriminatory laws endorsed by the apartheid government.
“I wrote to land claim in 1998 and it marks 18 years this year. What we are going to get here today should not divide us, but unite us. I would like to thank the committee I worked with. For this day to happen we went through a lot. I don’t want any compensation for the effort I put in for us to finally receive this money. All I would like to see is the family using the money wisely, starting businesses, upgrading their lives. Please make sure you use the money responsibly” said Professor Khumalo, a family representative.
Moses Khumalo and his biological brother, Professor Khumalo lodged a land claim with the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights in the capacity as descendants of the Khumalo family. The claim was lodged in 1998 on behalf of the family.
The total extent of the land is 10445 hectares, however part of the land where the family lost their rights was surveyed by the surveyor general and it is on 97 hectares.
“I stand with pride to celebrate with the Khumalo family as they get what is rightfully theirs. As a municipality we say go and unite, let this bring unity among the Khumalo’s. Do not let money make you greedy. Spend your money wisely and I would like to congratulate you for this compensation you received today” said Ncha.
