Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his role as chair of the Interministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, is set to officially hand over title deeds to the Qelana and Qolombana communities in the Eastern Cape tomorrow. The ceremony, taking place at the Mabheleni Dam, marks a step in addressing historical land dispossession.
However, residents of nearby village claim their grievances have been ignored. They say they have written to the Department of Land and Rural Development requesting ownership rights but have received no response. A local headman expressed frustration, stating that the land is crucial for their livelihoods, commercial use, and future generations.
“We need this land to sustain ourselves and our descendants,” he said, adding that their cattle lack grazing security due to unresolved ownership disputes.
While the deputy president’s visit highlights progress for some, others in the region await answers on their long-standing land claims.
