CONCERNS OVER ILLEGAL SETTLERS ON ROYAL FARM

NHLANGANO – Hundreds of alleged illegal settlers have reportedly encroached on a royal farm earmarked for development by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The Magindaneni Farm, located near Zheng Yong, has witnessed a surge in unauthorised construction projects, with over 500 new homes, structures under construction and rental flats mushrooming across the landscape. This has sparked concern among authorities, particularly the Acting Shiselweni Regional Administrator, Chief Gija Dlamini.“How can they continue building when they know the King has granted this land to the ministry for development?” Chief Gija questioned, expressing dismay over the blatant disregard for royal authority.
Investigations by this publication revealed a disturbing pattern of corruption. Local imiphakatsi (traditional councils) have been allegedly issuing fraudulent Kukhonta certificates, allowing individuals to illegally occupy portions of the farm.

Certificates

These certificates, often issued without proper documentation or regard for land ownership, have fuelled a land-grabbing frenzy, with plots being sold and resold at exorbitant prices.
“They sell plots ranging from E50 000 to E70 000, sometimes selling the same plot to multiple buyers,” revealed a concerned resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. “People are now quarrelling over land they never rightfully owned.” The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of influential individuals within the local councils. Some residents claim they were coerced into selling their ancestral lands to outsiders, with the local indvuna (headman) allegedly facilitating these transactions.

“We were told, ‘Ningashayeli sipikili sishobele’,” recounted another resident, highlighting the pressure exerted by local authorities.The issue has escalated to such an extent that even humanitarian aid organisations are facing challenges in distributing relief to legitimate residents. “Some new homes are even left out when we receive food parcels because they are not recognised as legitimate residents,” lamented one resident.The regional administrator has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and has sought police assistance to enforce the law and apprehend those involved in illegal construction.

However, with the Incwala Ceremony currently underway, a full-scale investigation and enforcement drive are likely to be delayed.This land dispute mirrors a similar incident in Mbondzela, where the demolition of homes on private property led to tensions between residents and the farm owner. While government maintains that the Mbondzela residents were occupying the land illegally, the incident highlights the growing land pressures and the complexities surrounding land ownership and usage in the country. The Magindaneni Farm saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by government in addressing land-related issues, ensuring equitable access to land and upholding the sanctity of traditional land tenure systems.

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