The Highvelder reported on the removal of hundreds of squatters next to Khayelisha in Thusiville by the Red Ants last year on 28 July (“Red Ants demolish shacks”).
Msukaligwa Municipality recently made a u-turn on the situation and allocated the same land to 160 people.
According to some of the squatters, the municipality had previously informed them that they had illegally invaded both municipal and private land, part of which was earmarked for agricultural purposes.
The allocations have, however, been met with rage, as some of the squatters who were left out during previous allocations at Khayelisha were left out yet again. Allegations of squatters from other places forcefully occupying land have also been made.
According to the Municipal Housing Section, the municipality at the time was in the process of appointing land surveyors to peg out the area and are now allocating the people to the pegged areas.
The municipality last year paid R350 000 to Wozani, the Red Ants company, to demolish about 400 shacks where building material was confiscated.
Some of the squatters who spoke to the Highvelder were happy to be finally and lawfully allocated land to build a shelter for their families and loved ones.
Some of them still harbour grudges from last year’s forceful evictions, as their personal belongings such as identification documents, driver’s licences and passports went missing.
Another squatter, who did not want to be named, said it was all good and well that they have been allocated land, but their hard-earned cash went to waste last year when their building materials were confiscated and burned.
Municipal spokesman Mr Mandla Zwane apologised to all affected individuals and pleaded with them to be patient, as it is evident that the municipality is trying its level best to provide land to them.
Enquires to the municipality on the criteria used to allocate land, plans for infrastructure (water and electricity) and how illegal invasion would be prevented had not been answered by the time of going to print.
