Land claims to game reserve?
Craig Elyot
28 November 2002
The validation of over 1 200 land claims in northern KwaZulu-Natal could pave the way for a R700-million big five game reserve.
The proposal for claimants in Weenen to receive title deeds and then lease them back to game reserve company Gongola Wildlife Reserve could create hundreds of jobs and uplift one of the poorest parts of the province, according to the province's Land Claims commissioner, Thabi Shange.
If carried out properly, the land claims could be engineered to allow a win-win settlement for both affluent farmers and indigent communities.
The proposed reserve would have to gain the approval of Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza, who recently expressed concern that food security in the country was being jeopardised by the number of commercial farmers turning to game farming.
The proposal aims to turn a 36 000-hectare stretch of land, from just north of the Bushman's River near Weenen to south of the Mooi River, into a
reserve. A proposed lifestyle activities project, including trout fishing, abseiling, birding, a golf course and luxury chalets, is planned for the surrounds of the reserve. The project is expected to cost about R705-million.
But the land in question is subject to two separate types of land claims. A total of 128 households, comprising over 700 people, live and work on the proposed reserve. The families, whose rights are protected under the Labour Tenancy Act, which provides for them to acquire land, have submitted labour tenancy claims to safeguard their homes. If they win their claim they would have to agree to relocate for the reserve to become a reality.
There are also over 1 000 land restitution applications from families who were forcibly removed from the land during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Some 15 landowners between Weenen and Mooi River have already sold their farms in exchange for shares in the reserve, Gongola Wildlife Reserve (GWR) chief executive
officer Bernard Smith said. The landowners have also accepted the validity of the claims on their land.
Smith said the proposal would involve successful land claimants leasing their land back to GWR in return for equity in the reserve. Another 5 500 hectares would be put aside for residential and commercial developments, he added.
Shange said she was optimistic that both sides would reach agreement. "It is a very exciting project, the first of its kind where land owners partner with communities", she said.
KwaZulu-Natal Land Affairs director Mdu Shabane said the landowners' acceptance of the validity of the claims was a breakthrough. All that remained to be done was a geographical feasibility study to determine any alternative land uses and a sale price for the land.
Nana Zenani, a spokesperson in Didiza's department, said the minister would have to investigate all possible outcomes. "Every case is different. We would like to see an amicable settlement where
everyone is a winner."
Source: BuaNews
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