The Elandskloof community, just outside Citrusdal, yearn for years gone-by, where the fertile land of their forefathers was a source of food and community sustenance. Neighbours lived in harmony and each family worked the land to produce different commodities.
These glorious days were abruptly ended in 1962 when the community, like many in the country, was forcibly removed from their prized location. With the advent of democracy the community thought time had finally arrived for them to reproduce the atmosphere of yesteryear.
Margie Januarie embodies these hopes that the community had. “How I wish we could work the land as we used to. But the current situation that the community of Elandskloof finds itself in does not allow for the realisation of these hopes,” Ms Januarie said.
The famous Elandskloof was the first successful restitution case in post-apartheid South Africa and represented a new beginning to victims of forced removals. But the enabling law meant to provide the framework for the effectiveness of the land has led to frustrations within community members.
The community raised its displeasure with the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform during public hearings into the Communal Property Association Amendment Act. The hearings were held to facilitate information sharing of lived experiences by CPA members in the implementation of the act.
Currently, the Elandskloof CPA is under administration due to continued disagreements between the CPA and community members. Well know that local priest, Mr Nosey Pieterse, pleaded with the Committee to assist the community of Elandskloof to resolve its issue and ensure that the community does what it has been renowned for.
The Whip of the Committee, Mr Pumzile Mnguni, said the Committee has heard the community and will try and find ways to resolve the issue in collaboration with the department. “We hope this is the turnaround point for this community, this issue must be resolved,” Mr Mnguni said.
Holding back tears, Ms Januarie thanked the Committee for listening and suggested that the Committee had restored her hope of a happy Elandskloof community living as it used to pre-1962.
By Malatswa Molepo
1 August 2017
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