Results of a land audit conducted in the city by a private consultancy need to be put into context to give a true picture of land ownership.
This was the mayor’s view after a presentation at Exco by YB Mashalaba & Associates.
‘Social cohesion is the purpose of land ownership studies,’ said Mhlongo.
‘We need to look at issues such as whether the people or the banks own the erven, and not just the number of owners, but the quality and location of the land they own.
ALSO READ: Wrap up of city Exco meeting
‘Our focus is also on ownership of industrial land, with a view to giving opportunities for radical economic transformation.’
While ownership figures show Africans own 15 312 (68%) of municipal land, this equated to just 36% of the total 12 969 043ha extent.
White and Coloured ownership of 4 892 properties (22%) accounts for 17 586 755ha (48%) of the total.
Indians own 2 476 parcels (11%), comprising 5 743 520ha (16%) of the total.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer