KONTSHINGILA – Hundreds of residents living on a privately owned farm at Ncangosini, Kontshingila, are set to be spared from eviction after an intervention by the King.
His Majesty King Mswati III directed government to purchase the property and convert it into Swazi Nation Land (SNL).
The directive was confirmed by both Kontshingila traditional authorities and government.
Once the farm has been acquired, residents will formally fall under the jurisdiction of Kontshingila Umphakatsi, led by Chief Bhozongo.
Although many residents already carry national identity documents indicating they belong to Kontshingila Umphakatsi, their status has not protected them from the threat of eviction because they have been living on privately owned land.
The farm, situated about 10 kilometres from Kontshingila Umphakatsi on the south-western side of Hlathikhulu near Emakhalatsini, is owned by Helen Howe, who acquired it from previous owners.
Chief Bhozongo confirmed that His Majesty had instructed government to purchase the property. “The King does not want these people to be left behind in development. He has directed the prime minister, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to buy the farm and convert it into Swazi Nation Land. This will allow the people living there to lead normal lives instead of constantly fearing eviction,” he said.
The chief said converting the property into SNL would also allow residents to access services and invest in permanent homes.
“People cannot confidently build the homes they want or connect services such as electricity while living on a privately owned farm. They are always looking over their shoulders, fearing their homes could be demolished. The King wants them to become part of the country’s development,” he said.
Chief Bhozongo said discussions on the purchase price would be handled by government and the farm owner.
“I do not know how much will be paid for the farm because those negotiations will be between government and the owner,” he said.
He said that once the land had been converted into SNL, every homestead would be required to pay a beast, in keeping with Swazi custom when land is allocated under traditional tenure.
“Land under Swazi Nation Land belongs to the King in trust for the emaSwati nation. As is customary, each homestead allocated land contributes a beast as part of that process,” he said.
Asked why the requirement would also apply to residents elsewhere within the chiefdom who are not currently living on the farm, Chief Bhozongo said future development could result in more people settling on the land.
“It is possible that, in future, other members of the community may also be allocated land there. That is why everyone is expected to participate,” he said.
He added that those who do not own cattle would be free to approach the royal kraal to discuss alternative arrangements.
With more than 5 000 homesteads under the chiefdom, the exercise is expected to result in the collection of a significant number of cattle.
Chief Bhozongo said the chiefdom would simply ensure that residents complied with the requirement.
“Our responsibility is to ensure everyone participates. The cattle will then be delivered to the place that will be designated by the relevant authorities,” he said.
Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka also confirmed that government had received His Majesty’s directive to purchase the farm.
“The King commissioned us to buy the farm. At this stage, we are waiting for the next budget cycle so that the purchase can be concluded,” Tshawuka said.
He said the ministry was first conducting a valuation to determine the size and market value of the property before negotiations with the owner could begin. “By October, we expect to have completed the valuation so that the required amount can be included in the next budget,” he said. Tshawuka said the ministry’s objective is to ensure that residents no longer live under the constant threat of eviction.
He added that officials were also collecting information on the number of people residing on the farm.
“We are still gathering data on the number of households living there,” he said.
The minister said government would engage the current owner to establish whether she intended to retain any portion of the property.
“We will hear from the owner if there are portions of the farm she wishes to retain. However, our intention is to purchase the entire property, as directed by His Majesty,” he said.
