KZN land invasion crisis

Solve issue of invasions now

YOUR front page lead story in the Herald: “Land invasion: all you didn’t want to know” and the article in City Watch: “Anger over Bonela land grab” (Sunday Tribune, August 20) refers.

It is no secret that land invasions are now becoming more intense in so-called Indian areas. Areas hit by land invaders are Clare Estate, Reservoir Hills, Sydenham, Kenville, Effingham, Avoca, Chatsworth, Shallcross, Sea Cow Lake, Bonela in Mayville and in many other suburbs in the ethekwini region.

In Bonela, the situation has become volatile as invaders and residents are fighting over who is entitled to the land. People are afraid to leave their homes because the area is full of strangers armed with bush knives, machetes and guns. Residents are living in constant fear, the invasions of property by squatters I believe are crises generated by the incendiary speeches of rabble rouser Julius Malema, who feels he is untouchable by the laws that govern. These acts of violence are transgressions punishable by the laws of the country. However, it seems that the authorities are quite content to let matters trundle along instead of implementing the swift execution of justice. The DA is preoccupied with the pursuit of lawsuits against President Jacob Zuma when on our doorstep are situations that are on the brink of igniting a powder keg.

The statistics of the 2016 local government elections indicated that the majority of votes in several wards received by the DA in the ethekwini region were through the contribution of the Indian electorate.

It was therefore expected that the DA would have moved heaven and earth to protect the rights of those voters who supported it. It is missing in action. The residents of Bonela and other areas affected by land invasion are not manifesting any hatred or revulsion against anybody but are protecting their legal rights, investments and security against invaders who seem to have come from God knows where.

The DA needs to flex its muscles, notwithstanding its marriage of convenience with the EFF. Failure to do so will be an indictment on the DA.

JAYRAJ BACHU Clare Estate

THE ARTICLE in the Sunday Tribune Herald on August 20 headlined “Land invasion: all you didn’t want to know” requires a response.

Land invasion is becoming a frightening regular occurrence.

This is extremely alarming and the problem has the propensity to affect all other areas.

It is time the government takes on its responsibility by addressing land reform and providing housing for the poor.

These land invasions are ultimately due to the frustration of our people who do not have proper housing.

The national and local governments need to work together to establish solutions that are balanced, protecting the interests of the public and addressing the needs of the poor and economically marginalised.

Land invasion is not the solution as there are many role players who have to be engaged, such as landowners and shack dwellers, who are equally guilty of renting out their shacks.

A collective solution needs to be established so that this urgent matter is provided with a holistic solution.

It is now time for the government to start to expedite this serious issue that faces our community.

DHAYALAN MOODLEY Mobeni Heights