KZN’s uMzimkhulu Families Celebrate Long-Awaited Land Restitution

RESTORATION: Thousands of hectares are restored to claimant communities in KwaZulu-Natal, marking a milestone in land justice and opening the door to future development…

By Own Correspondent

Communities in uMzimkhulu have welcomed what they describe as a long-overdue moment of justice and restoration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa officially handed over title deeds to land claim beneficiaries.

The handover, part of government’s Land Restitution Programme under the Restitution of Land Rights Act, restores more than 17 000 hectares of land to four claimant groups — the Ngunjini, Ndzimankulu/Vierkant and St Paul communities, as well as the Lawrence family.

For many beneficiaries, the ceremony marked the end of decades of waiting and the beginning of a new chapter.

Speaking ahead of receiving the title deed, Yongama Nyangiwe, representing the Ndzimankulu/Vierkant community, said the day carried deep emotional significance for families who had fought for recognition of their land rights.

“This is a day of good news. We have been waiting for this moment because you cannot truly say you own the land without a title deed,” he said.

Nyangiwe explained that the claim was originally lodged by his late father, a traditional leader, on behalf of a community forcibly removed during apartheid.

“Today, the community is overjoyed. We believe we will work together as beneficiaries and embark on projects that will benefit the community,” he added.

The Ndzimankulu/Vierkant claim dates back to the early 20th century, when colonial systems and apartheid laws such as the Natives Land Act stripped communities of their land. The settlement restores more than 2 500 hectares to 124 households, benefiting 575 people, and includes a R35 million support package with development and mentorship plans. For the Lawrence family, the restitution process has brought closure to a painful history of forced removals.

“My grandparents lived there for more than 70 years, and (they) were moved 50 years ago. Houses were demolished, and everything was destroyed,” said John Lawrence. “We left our belongings behind because we did not know where we were going. Today is a joyous day. We never thought we would get our land back.”

The Lawrence claim restores 84.7 hectares to 27 households, benefiting 127 descendants, and includes land of historical and cultural significance, such as a church, school, and cemetery.

Members of the Ngunjini community also expressed optimism that restored land would unlock development opportunities.

“We are very happy to receive our title deeds. We hope this will uplift poor households and help develop the area. We must be part of the process,” said Sibonisiwe Mgilane.

The Ngunjini claim covers more than 6,800 hectares and benefits over 500 people. Valued at approximately R80 million, it includes financial support and long-term development plans, with existing forestry partnerships already contributing to job creation.

The St Paul community, one of the largest beneficiaries, is reclaiming more than 7,600 hectares lost through forced removals in the 1950s and 1960s. The claim benefits over 1,400 people and has already supported youth development and community upliftment initiatives.

Government says the handover is not only about restoring land ownership, but also about rebuilding livelihoods and advancing economic inclusion.

Led by Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has emphasised the need for post-settlement support, including development funding and partnerships to ensure the land remains productive.

Held during Human Rights Month, the ceremony underscores the link between land reform and the constitutional goal of restoring dignity and equality.

As communities celebrate, many acknowledge that the real work now begins — transforming restored land into sustainable opportunities while preserving their heritage and identity. – sanews.gov.za