Big win for Makgoba family

The community of Mamphoku Makgoba reacted with jubilant after a judge ruled
in their favour in the Northern Gauteng High Court  Tuesday, Queen Mother
Mantsha Makgoba jumped with excitement when Justice Mabuse ruled that
current members of Mamphoku Makgoba Community Trust must resign with
immidiate effect and elections of new members be conducted within 30 days.

In 2014, community members supported by the Royal House took the trust to
court after it allegedly failed to step down and appoint new trustees.
According to papers filed at the Northern Gauteng High Court, Mamphoku
Makgoba Community Trust was formed in 2004 and members were voted to be
Board of Trustees.

The court ordered Thupane Makgoba, Shiko Magoele, Dinky Moropane, Prof
Malegapuru Makgoba, Skokie Makgoba, Martina Mohale, Pinky Kekana, Grace
Mashaba, Veronica Motswi, Mash Matsetela, Stan Motimele, Levy Mehlape and
Ephraim Makgoba to resign.  "The current trustees must resign with
immidiate effect and elections of new trustees must be held within 30
days," Justice Mabuse ruled.

That lead to excitement and jubilant inside court. "I'm happy this is
finally over. We have been going in and out of court for a long time. This
is the victory for the whole community. Our farms will start operating and
more jobs will be created," said Queen Mother Makgoba.

The Makgoba Community ownes 39 farms worth over R120 million and they
plough tea, avocado, banana, nuts and pine among others. They also own a
game farm and a lodge. According to papers filed in court, Board of
Trustees must be in office for three years and resign thereafter.