KA-NCESI – Ka-Ncesi community members have resolved to seek His Majesty King Mswati III’s intervention following the demolition of houses reportedly constructed on farmland.
The resolution was adopted during a community meeting held yesterday.
The meeting follows the recent demolition of two houses in the area.
The first demolition occurred late last year, when a two-bedroom house valued at E500 000 and belonging to Bonkhe Shabangu was torn down at Ka-Ncesi by a court sheriff accompanied by armed police officers. The structure was demolished after it was found to have been built on farmland owned by a local businessman. Following that incident, the Eluvinjweni Umphakatsi initiated the process of allocating Shabangu a new plot of land, while the Illa Penboy Foundation launched a public campaign to help rebuild his home through contributions from Emaswati.
The latest incident involved another community member whose house, valued at E450 000, was similarly demolished on grounds that it stood on designated farmland.
Addressing the media, following this latest incident, Nkhaba Inner Council Indvuna Mandla Mdluli stated that numerous homesteads in the area are currently situated on farmland.
However, during yesterday’s meeting, residents voiced their despair over the continuous destruction of their homes and called for a permanent resolution to the land dispute. Some community members argued that affected families should be compensated, emphasizing the significant financial sacrifices and labour required to construct their properties.
Residents expressed hope that invoking kwembula ingubo enkhosini would yield a positive resolution. One resident highlighted the deep frustration within the community, noting that many families have lived on the land for generations under the impression that it was residential area rather than private farm properties.
Eluvinjweni Umphakatsi Chief Mabaleka Mncina who also attended the meeting described the ordeal facing the residents as deeply painful. He confirmed that the traditional authority and affected community members agreed to escalate the matter to the King.
Chief Mncina stated that, on behalf of the affected emaSwati, they will seek His Majesty’s audience to hear his counsel and request guidance on how government can assist in resolving the crisis.
