Pretoria - Possible transfer of properties and astronomical financial settlements should be expected if the Chief Velaphi Victor Lekhuleni land claim turns out to be valid and is granted.
Cornelius Jansen van Rensburg told a public meeting at Gereformeerde Kerk Wapadrand on Tuesday night, the land claim should be stopped, limited or expedited.
The meeting was convened by business rights organisation AfriBusiness, an affiliate of civil rights organisation AfriForum, ahead of Saturday’s first stakeholders meeting on the massive land claim.
Lekhuleni has lodged what is regarded as one of democratic South Africa’s biggest land claims, demanding that vast tracts of land east and north of the city be returned to his Bakgatla Ba Lekhuleni community.
The claimant will seek compensation which will make him an instant billionaire and has indicated he was only keen on keeping a section of the Magaliesberg where he hosts his annual initiation school.
The claim that has sent residents into a panic mode has been met with objections, with the community of Mamelodi, where Lekhuleni lives, sensationally revealing he was not royalty and had no right to claim land.
Jansen van Rensburg, chief executive officer of AfriBusiness and deputy head of AfriForum, said the organisations would act on behalf of those who gave them a mandate.
“The legal team has already started with preparations. All it will cost you is to actively support organisations,” he said in front of a large crowd of concerned residents.
Lekhuleni would have the right to approach the Land Claims Court to prevent selling or upgrading of properties, the rights current owners did not have, he said.
Willow Park Manor resident Nickie Landman said he bought a property a year ago and was worried about the implications should the claim be granted.
“We were told one would not be able to sell or modify property without informing the land claims commissioner. This would seriously hamper the property market in Pretoria East,” he said.
DA councillor Wildri Peach, in his capacity as resident of Die Wilgers, said a land claim was a long process which should be allowed to take its course.
Peach said he was strongly against the land claim as he believed that the properties in the affected areas belonged to their current owners. “If the claim is valid, then the government should step in and provide restitution,” he added.
AfriBusiness and AfriForum will host another meeting on Wednesday at Derdepoort, and another one on Thursday in Donkerhoek.
Pretoria News