Land claim settled
MEMBERS of the Molekana clan have opted to share more than R2-million as compensation for their dispossessed land on which Anglo Platinum runs operations outside Mokopane in Limpopo.
PRAISES MOVE: Rosina Mogotlane has appealed to the Molekana clan to use the money wisely. PHOTO: ALEX MATLALA
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The community was forcibly removed between 1969 and 1970 by the apartheid regime after the discovery of the minerals in the area. After the forced removals the community found themselves scattered around nearby villages.
The Molekana land claims committee chairperson, Leseja Tjatji, told Sowetan that they opted for cash compensation to avoid infighting among the clan over money from the possible payment of rent for the land by Anglo Platinum.
"We stay at a village and we were told that therefore the land belongs to a chief. So to avoid problems for ourselves, we opted for cash compensation for our land," Tjatji said.
A total of 69 members of the clan lodged claims on two farms that are now a hive of mining activity.
The claims were accepted and finalised in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act.
On Tuesday, 42 households were each handed vouchers worth R54,650 as compensation at a ceremony in Mokopane.
The claims of a further 27 households who did not register in time will be processed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Waterberg district municipality mayor Rosina Mogotlane applauded the clan for opting for cash compensation and appealed to the clan to use their money wisely.
"Some agricultural and tourism land returned to previously disadvantaged people is lying fallow in the Waterberg region.
"Also, many of the game farms are not being used because of the infighting among the communities," she said.
"You made a good decision because you had to think of the future of your children. You can invest the money wisely for the education of your children."
Molokana clan and Anglo Platinum have agreed on action that will uplift the community.
This includes payment of rent by the mine to the community, incorporating the community into the mine's social and labour programmes, a community centre and Internet cafés.
The mine will also make a payment of R4.3-million to the community.
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Comments
ntiki
i welcome the decision taken by both parties because the people of molekana will be siting on the minerals under them doing nothing about that,big ups to anglo platinum.Report Abuse
somaartakeit
ONLY 2mil? they shld have gone to the UK or the USA to sue thsi company from there cause those who did that had reasonable settlement, 2mil is a further insult to their grief of being forcefully removed, but soon they will realise this is nothing, by then it wld be too late,Report Abuse
Senganga247
I'm of the opinion that having a stake in the mine is more beneficial than taking cash. This community should have sort out their differences and went for shares which would benefit also their future generations.Bafokeng tribe has become the richest tribe in Africa because they chose to have a stake in the mines and they are still benefiting.
These mines are going to make billions using the communities land incomparison to peanuts that they gave this community.
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SAMETHING
Thats nothing!Our people need more than that we require a stake in the mines.For us @ Mothlotlo- Rooibook & Armonde we are gunning for a share's .The fact is after Anglo-Platinum have done excavating our land it wld no long be viable for the cultivation purpose.Report Abuse
Thasmizo
This is what Juju fought for but my people rather settle for cents than possession the land is theirs they should have paid fees starting 1969 till today but our gov is ran by bunch of idiots they will never do what is rightReport Abuse
maditaba
R2mil fela. Le jelwe maanReport Abuse
MommaC
So it is actually 2 million to the 69 members, 4.3 million to the community, a community centre and internet cafes as well as incorporation into the mine's social and labour programmesThat sounds fair.
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Tasto
R2million and few amenities with out ownership\shares from the mining company ? When will ppl learn ?Report Abuse
Senganga247
MommaCSo it is actually 2 million to the 69 members, 4.3 million to the community, a community centre and internet cafes as well as incorporation into the mine's social and labour programmes
That sounds fair.
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No ways. This is nothing compared to the billions that these mines will make. This community was blinded by the peanuts in the form of cash and the promises which might not come to pass. Imagine if they got a significant number of shares in the mine. Financial intelligence is important.
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MommaC
Senganga247I agree that the Bafokeng had a better system but if this community is divided on how to do things AND they don't all want the land then selling it is the obvious solution. The amount they received is more than the land itself is worth and the benefits ensure that not only 69 people are going to benefit.
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