Clan chief accused of ‘farming with people’

File photo: Itumeleng English

File photo: Itumeleng English

Published Jul 23, 2014

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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 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.

Danie du Plessis, regional chairman of the Transvaal Agricultural Union of 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 percent of all farms transferred through land claims failed, the TLU-SA claimed, compared to a 95 percent success rate for black farmers who bought their land. - Sapa

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