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In terms of Section 2(1)(c) of the Provision of Certain Land for Settlement Act of 1993, Minister of Land Affairs Derek Hanekom designated the Remainder of Reserve 6 (No 7638) in the District of Richards Bay for the purposes of settlement. The Mandlazini Community Trust will hold the land to the benefit of 570 families.

The Mthiyane tribe (Mandlazini group) was originally removed from Reserve 6 in 1975 and 1976 because it formed an island within the white suburbs of Richards Bay. Against the wishes of its people, the community was resettled in the Mambukauka/Mtambanana area. The community also had to give up areas which they used for religious purposes, such as the Shembe Temple and the graves of their forefathers.

The Mandlazini community believes it was never adequately compensated for the loss of its land. The Richards Bay City Council was aware of the legitimate claim of the community, but due to the fact that the land in question was at an advanced stage of development, they offered to make land bordering the municipal area of Richards Bay available to the Madlazini community.

However, the municipal by-laws of Richards Bay require that the land be purchased, and thus an agreement was signed between the Trust and the Richards Bay Transitional Local Council that all income arising from the sale of the land will be made available for the development of the community's land. The land will be bought under the Grants and Services of the Land Reform Programme at a cost of R6 315 000, all of which will be plowed back into the community.

The following conditions, amongst others, will apply to the land designated for settlement:

No settlement may occur before the planning of the Agri-village has been completed. Settlement may occur after the survey of individual lots and should take place in a phased and orderly manner and in accordance with the conditions established by the Trust and Richards Bay Transitional Local Council.

The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act of 1983 will apply to the utilisation of the land.

The Trust must ensure that no livestock is kept permanently within the Agri-village and suitable camps must be established in an identified area.

The conditions of the Water Act of 1956 will apply in order to prevent pollution of public water, especially that of Lake Mzingazi

Any densification beyond the 570 families may only take place in relation to a relevant and necessary upgrading and extension of the essential services infrastructure.

Further information relating to this case may be obtained from Mr Nico van Rensburg at (0331) 94-6390 (tel) or (0331) 94-3753.

28 MARCH 1996

Issued by: Ministry of Land Affairs

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