MBABANE – Talk about peace in brick and mortar!
The phrase ‘peace in brick and mortar’, which refers to building physical houses to bring peace, stability and harmony to people’s lives, aptly describes what the government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is currently doing for the evicted Mbondzela Farm dwellers.
Last week, four of the displaced families received new homes, which were presented by the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela.
The houses were constructed by the farm owner under a court-guided agreement, while negotiations continued for the remaining families.
The dispute, which has been ongoing for years, involved 32 families who originally lived on Mbondzela Farm. So far, 24 families have been engaged in negotiations, with 17 agreeing to vacate and signing formal agreements.
Following the latest developments, this publication sat down with the minister to seek clarity on the main reason behind the decision to construct the houses.
The minister first explained that a farm owner who intends to evict dwellers must explore two options, one of which is allocating at least one hectare of land to enable them to build homes.
“This is provided for in the law. Once they have been allocated that one hectare, they will not demand more because at least you have assisted them,” the minister said.
The other option, he said, is that if the owner wants to retain the entire farm and remove the dwellers, he or she must follow the procedures laid down in relation to compensation.
He added that the entire issue surrounding Mbondzela Farm has been one of the most challenging, with dwellers being locked out of their homes and their schoolgoing children unable to attend classes.
“It has been really tough,” the minister said.The prince said all praise should go to the lawyer of the farm owner, whom he said worked hard and did so with the spirit of humanity by ensuring that there were smooth engagements between all the parties involved.
The prince said when it comes to land disputes, especially those related to farms, some lawyers do the unthinkable by siding with the owners as their clients and do not consider the pain endured by the dwellers.
“What is important is ensuring that there is peace whenever there are disputes like this one. I can assure you that those who have already received the newly-constructed homes are happy. I would also be happy to receive such a beautiful structure. Those houses are solid and far better than the structures the dwellers lived in before. Right now, it is more like they are staying in a palace,” the prince said in jest. Following what the farm owner has done, the prince encouraged others to engage him so that they could better understand how dwellers should be handled.
*…
One dweller refuses to move
MBABANE – On another note, the minister said his office has received reports that there is one dweller who is hesitating and adamant that he will not leave the farm.
The minister said his hands are open for engagements.
“I am also encouraging others who are involved in this matter, including the media, to go and talk to this individual in order to understand what the problem is,” the minister said.
He said the reports are bothering him as he is failing to understand why, out of 32, one family can refuse to have a home constructed for them.
“We are not saying that he must agree just because the majority has done so but we just want to understand what the issue is,” the minister raised concern.
*…
Farm owner praised for buying dwellers food
MBABANE – The minister has commended Mbondzela Farm owner, Sandile Simelane, for seeing it fit to buy food for the evicted dwellers.
The prince revealed that the owner has been buying the food monthly, which shows a kind gesture.
“We must state, however, that it is not all the residents who have been receiving the food. It is those with who he has reached an agreement. Those whom are still reluctant have not received the food, and this is understandable,” the prince said.
When asked about the main reason for the buying of the food, the minister said this is necessary since these residents were forced to stop farming.
He said while the food might not be enough, it is better than nothing for the beneficiaries.
*…
… chiefs slammed for allocating land on swamps, mountain tops
MBABANE – It is only a person with hatred who can allocate you a piece of land on a swampy area or on top of a mountain.
This was said by Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela as he slammed chiefs who allocate land on places that are not suitable.
The prince minced no words, saying it is wrong for a chief to allow a liSwati to construct a home in a place that will, in a few years time, face challenges related to climate change.
“Places that are not good include swamps and mountains. Also, places that are situated right next to the road are not good to settle on.
“I have heard that there are people who have been allocated land in such areas and we strongly condemn this,” the minister said.
He said this is because such will in the near future cause problems for both the residents and government.
“These days, there are heavy rains and it is never a nice thing to witness homes and property being damaged or washed away. We can request all those responsible for granting land through kukhonta to be responsible,” he said.
*Full article available in our publication
Leave a comment