Parliament, Thursday, 27 February 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, as part of its week-long oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal, visited Communal Property Associations (CPAs) that included Kwadukuza-based Zwelabantu Dube CPA where it was informed that the association is experiencing a complex dispute and the committee felt that the matter warrants a proper full-scale investigation.
The committee found that the land claim issue surrounding the Dube community has been dragging on for some time since it was settled in 2009. The Executive Committee of the CPA briefed the committee about the current challenges
The committee heard that among other things, the complex problem includes community or beneficiaries’ disputes on sale of the land, litigations, and land invasions.
The committee also learnt that there has been questionable exchange of money involving questionable land sale by some actors, who the committee also felt that they would require further scrutiny. Furthermore, the constant change of the CPA leadership has contributed to instability within the CPA, the committee was told.
The CPA called for intervention of the committee, after it presented its case on the challenges.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development acquired the property for Zwelabantu Dube CPA in terms of Restitution of Land Rights Act No.22 of 1994 as amended. The claim was lodged by Inkosi Zwelabantu Dube on behalf of 687 Dube community on 10th November 1998. The community was dispossessed from the claimed farm in the 1950s.
The committee expressed its concern over the millions of government funds that were injected into the Zwelabantu land claim. It indicated that it needs time to understand the intricacies surrounding the dispute. It also expressed its concern over the safety of the current Secretary of the CPA after she reported about receiving threats for ensuring that appropriate actions are taken for the land to be returned to its rightful owners.
The committee requested the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights to submit all reports related to the matter including a copy of the forensic investigation which was undertaken by the Commission. Furthermore, the committee requested the CPA to submit all reports it has regarding this old matter in order to resolve it as speedily as possible.
The visit to Zwelabantu CPA was preceded by a visit to Ubizo CPA in Mpangeni which was congratulated by the committee for creating job opportunities and for driving corporate social investments in the area. The CPA told the committee that it is also diversifying and exploring nature conservation.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON ON LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR ALBERT MNCWANGO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
Email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
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