Trust’s title deeds plan excludes foreigners
The Ingonyama Trust Board’s title deeds programme aims to confer ownership to people residing on Trust land in KZN - but foreign nationals will not qualify for full ownership.
|||Durban - The Ingonyama Trust Board is forging ahead with the title deeds programme, which is aimed at issuing ownership to people residing on Trust land.
However, foreign nationals who resided on or occupy Trust land would not be considered for full ownership of the land, board chairman, Judge Jerome Ngwenya, said on Thursday.
Presenting the plan on the title deeds at the ICC, Ngwenya said the apartheid system deprived black people of title deeds, and thus land ownership.
He said challenges identified during Thursday’s deliberations would be tabled at a follow-up meeting some time this month.
“Title deed awarding is a government duty and we will follow all the processes. The land where there are businesses, including B&Bs, will remain the property of the Trust.
“However, foreign nationals can only lease land on the Trust. Before the lease is approved, individuals must provide documentation from relevant departments confirming that they are in the country legally. If such documentation is not available, then even the leasing cannot be considered,” Ngwenya said.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, board members and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
King Zwelithini lambasted those who “deliberately” made it difficult for the Zulu nation to control its land.
“It’s not a secret that the history of South Africa will not be complete without the mention of the Zulu nation. I’m not saying this because I’m Zulu, or the Zulu King. This is recognised worldwide.
“When the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) was formed back in the day, it was agreed that traditional leadership had a vital role to play in the struggle. The struggle then was land ownership. It is surprising that our struggle has been degraded; omitting the gist of it, land ownership,” the King said.
“Many Zulu warriors laid down their lives for this land.”
He said that for the Zulu people, land was the backbone of the nation as it provided natural resources, farming and, most importantly, a resting place for loved ones.
“uZulu (the nation) can tolerate every hardship or pain you can inflict in him, but don’t deprive him of his land. I still say what I said last year, that uZulu is naked and is feeling cold because of the land not given back. This is our land.
“If there are individuals who feel that we don’t deserve what is rightfully ours, remember, the land under amakhosi is the Zulu inheritance.
“We know that the land we are talking about is nothing compared to what Ilembe (King Shaka) left for us,” said the king.
According to the KwaZulu Land Act of 1992, it is in favour of the Ingonyama Trust Board administering the land under the Trust.
The move could also have far-reaching consequences for future title-deed holders of the lands, which make up nearly a third of the province.
Judge Ngwenya said they realised that there were a number of legal obstacles in order for the programme (title deed issuing) to be expedited.
There have been reported court battles over the years between eThekwini Municipality and the Trust over payment of rates.
“Once the process is finalised, people in rural areas will be treated equally like those in urban areas.
“There will always be disputes among entities serving the public,” Ngwenya said, referring to the dispute between eThekwini Municipality and the Trust.
Daily News