After years of waiting, thousands of people who lodged a claim to have their land at Wallmansthal, north of Pretoria, returned to them will on Saturday receive the deeds of their stands.
The land set to be restored measures 4 186ha. Approximately 4 270 people will benefit from the settlement, the Land Claims Commission said on Thursday.
This included parts of the Wallmansthal Military Base where the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) main weapons depot is located.
The SANDF originally opposed the applicants’ request for their land to be return to them, but later agreed that it could be done.
The claimants have been trying to have the land returned to them since 1994.
On Saturday, Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulu Xingwana will hand over title deeds to individuals, meaning each claimant will receive a stand.
Gauteng and North West regional land claims commissioner Tumi Seboka said the remaining land will be used to build houses and for agriculture. — Sapa