A GROUP of about 2700 backyard dwellers yesterday approached the Johannesburg high court seeking an order to force Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale to grant them land.

The group, who identify themselves as "unemployed and live below the breadline", took the decision to haul Sexwale, Gauteng department of local government and housing, and the Ekurhuleni municipality to court apparently after the respondents "failed" to remedy their situation.

In their affidavit, they state that they have lived for a long period as backyard dwellers in Silahliwe squatter camp near Zonkizizwe, east of Johannesburg, often falling victim to ruthless landlords who demanded huge rental fees.

The affidavit reads: "Most of the applicants are desperately poor, and most of them have either no income whatsoever or earn less than R1000 per month.

"In Silahliwe squatter camp, applicants live in shacks without water, electricity, sewerage or refuse removal services, whereas in the land in question, there is (a fully integrated) water and sewerage system."

Yesterday, about 50 members belonging to the group camped outside the court.

One of the members is Nina Mphuthi, 81, who walks with crutches.

The group want the court to force Sexwale and the local government and housing department to allocate land to them in Zonkizizwe extensions 3, 5, 8 and parts of extensions 2, 4 and 6.

Yesterday, Judge Rami Mathopo undertook to find a state lawyer for the group, which appeared before him without legal representation.