Minister Madikizela Remains Committed To Resolve Plight of Hermanus Backyarders | Western Cape Government

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Minister Madikizela Remains Committed To Resolve Plight of Hermanus Backyarders

21 May 2018

Since the recent land protests in Zwelihle, Hermanus, the Department of Human Settlements has begun a process of land identification which will benefit backyarders in the area.

This follows a commitment made by Human Settlements Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela when the violent protest first broke out in the area in March.  

To find a solution to the land protest, Minister Madikizela established a task team consisting of officials from the national and provincial Department of Human Settlements, Overstrand Municipality and community representatives from Zwelihle to work together and deal with residents’ concerns. It was agreed that this committee meets at least once a month for feedback.

Prior to Tuesday’s failed meeting, Minister Madikizela engaged the owners of schulphoek who stated that they are amenable to enter into negotiations about selling the land back to the government for housing development, subject to a formal valuation process, price comparison and ensuing final negotiations.

During a follow-up meeting on Friday, the community agreed that they do not want informal structures to be erected on the Schulphoek site as they prefer formal houses. They asked that the municipality consider another site for temporary housing for the most vulnerable residents. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the municipality and the community on the agreed site. It was also resolved that the community will provide a list of beneficiaries who will be accommodated on the site.

On Saturday 19 May 2018, it was also agreed that Mount Pleasant community leadership be included in the task team following their protest on Friday.

The valuation process on the Schulphoek site are underway and the beneficiaries list is being vetted by the Department of Human Settlements.

While the preparations are running concurrently, Overstand Municipality will, with the assistance of the Department of Human Settlements, deal with issues of social compact through its public participation process.

The planned meeting scheduled for today, Sunday 20 May is therefore no longer taking place as all parties have agreed to the processes to take its course in the spirit of collaboration. 

Media Enquiries: 

Mrs Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483-4798
Cell: 082 953 0026

Mr Nathan Adriaanse
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483 2868
Cell: 083 263 1720