Ebenhaeser land claim bogged down

THE WESTERN Cape provincial standing committee on economic opportunities, tourism and agriculture has called on the national Department of Rural Revelopment and Land Reform to urgently intervene in the controversial land claim by the Ebenhaeser community near Vredendal. It is the largest claim in the province. Yesterday, it was revealed that the department had failed to implement its existing policy and had delayed effecting amendments which have caused further delays in land claims that date back to 1996. A transfer of 40 farms has been stalled by the department.

The Ebenhaeser land claim has been ongoing for 20 years. In 2014, the community reached an agreement with the department to return to the land which was forcibly taken from them in 1926.

Yesterday, the department, as well as the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, told the committee that farmers are disputing the validity of the claim.

“We want to see a success, we want an end. Agriculture is important to us,” said Beverley Schäfer, standing committee chairperson.

Schäfer said it is “outrageous” that the land has been denied to the members of the community. THURSDAY JUNE 29 2017

Chief land claims commissioner Nomfundo Ntloko-Gobodo said that the process had been delayed due to 22 farmers who had decided to take legal action.

“The reason is because this group, which has 1 183 hectares, are disputing the validity of the claim,” she said.

The Ebenhaeser community took over some farms last year through a trust. However, some complained they were not receiving enough government support.

“People are frustrated because everything is taking so long,” William Fortuin chairperson of Community Property Association said. Fortuin, however, said they remain positive although there isnot enough support for them.

The land consists of various portions owned by several individuals or companies. There are 1 840 beneficiaries, 1 400 are part of the trust and a further 440 are outside beneficiaries. –