Communities with outstanding land claims in the Kruger National Park were outraged by Cabinet’s recent decision to offer them money or alternative land and several have indicated they will take the government to court.
Two weeks ago the Cabinet announced that the state would retain the title deeds for land inside the park to strike a balance between claimants’ rights and the national interests.
Almost half of Kruger is reportedly disputed, with 38 communities lodging 19 claims.
Communities contacted by the Mail & Guardian last week complained bitterly about the decision. There was reportedly an uproar at a meeting two weeks ago where they were informed about it, especially that it was final.
Some were unhappy that the Makuleke community, the first to claim land in the park, had already recovered 25 000ha.
The M&G reported in 2007 that South African National Parks (Sanparks) was loath to enter into any further public-private profit-sharing arrangements similar to the Makuleke settlement.
“Sanparks could manage one community, but not 38,” said Sanparks’s David Mabunda this week.
Said Ben Hlongwani, a member of the Muyexe community, which is claiming land in the north of the park: “When the government started this process they promised we’d get our land back. They promised title deeds so we could build lodges. We are definitely declining their offer.”
He said his community was looking for a lawyer to represent it in court and that the Muyexe would ask other affected communities to join the action.
Also taking the legal route is the Makahane-Maritenga community, whose claim borders that of the Makuleke and was at an advanced stage. It wants a partnership with Kruger management and a share of the park’s profits.
Two other claimant communities, the Madonsi and the Ndindani, have accepted the decision.
“We don’t have an option — the Cabinet has made a decision,” said Ndindani spokesperson Sizeka Rogers Mahlaule.
“We don’t have money and time to go to court.”
The biggest claim comes from four communities living in the vicinity of Phalaborwa. The spokesperson for the community, Steve Ramalepe, said they would also go to court.
“It’s unfair,” he said. “Last year Cabinet decided all communities were entitled to their land inside the park. So we were still entertaining the idea, then two weeks ago they called to say they’ve changed their mind.”
The Cabinet proposed a special levy on tourists visiting the park to fund community empowerment projects.
The communities will also have access to graves on park land and annual dates will be set aside for gravesite ceremonies.
Other benefits are to be negotiated.
A team from the land affairs and environmental affairs departments and Sanparks will hold follow-up meetings with each claimant community, said Pulane Molefe of the land claims commission.
The government is already investigating alternative land.
Acting chief land claims commissioner Andrew Mphela said this week that the Kruger claims, involving 400 000ha, will cost at least R15-billion to settle.