Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

An unemployed mother of six in Kgapane Township, near Modjadjiskloof, is among a group of residents forced to relocate from a piece of land they have lived on for more than 30 years.

Mohlago Stephinah Rasekgwala is confused and desperate after the greater Letaba municipality in Limpopo told her three weeks ago she had to relocate.

Rasekgwala and five other women were given only 21 days to relocate from a piece of land they have occupied for half of their lives.

The women lived in the Bolobedu Correctional Service yard in Kgapane until they were given their letters of eviction.

Now Rasekgwala and her children will be homeless from next week when the notice period expires.

"I have lived on this land since 1970 when my mother died."

Another woman, who did not want to be identified, said: "If the municipality wants to remove us from the land, it should provide us with alternative accommodation."

When asked for comment Greater Letaba municipal mayor Joshua Matlou said the piece of land at the centre of the dispute belonged to the Department of Correctional Cervices, which now wants to use the land.