Land claimant renting out land - report

Johannesburg - The chief of the Mhlongo clan has angered neighbouring farmers in Carolina because he is renting land claim land to squatters instead of farming, Beeld newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Clan head Reuben Ndlovu Dlangamandla was reportedly renting out plots on the farm "Kromkrans" for as little as R100. One resident said none of the squatters were Mhlongos.

"It was never a farm. We provide a place to stay to people who have nowhere to go," he said.

Neighbours allegedly lost millions due to veld fires and cattle theft, and said the land was meant to ensure food security.

Zoning

Danie du Plessis, regional chairperson of the Transvaal Agricultural Union of SA (TAU SA/TLU SA), said sub-division of agricultural land was illegal unless an application for rezoning was made.

A 2003 report on the farm said it would be used for agriculture, grazing, breeding, and a housing project.

Comment was not available from the provincial land claims commissioner.

Between 80 and 85% of all farms transferred through land claims failed, the TAU SA claimed, compared to a 95% success rate for black farmers who bought their land.