The Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with Rural Development and Land Reform commemorated the 1913 Natives Land Act Centenary at Sydney- On- Vaal in the Dikgatlhong Local Municipality outside Longlands.The 19th of June this year marked the 100th year since the enactment of this brutal systematization of land alienation from the black indigenous majority.
This Act, Act /27/13, was the first of a number of discriminatory laws that reinforced the massive dispossession of land from Black South Africans.
Addressing close to a 1000 land activists, beneficiaries and stakeholders from the areas of Pniel, Majeng, Schmidtsdrift, Kgomotso and Sydney-On –Vaal, MEC Norman Shushu, said the occasion signifies an important milestone in the history of land dispossession and the battles fought. “As we commemorate this day we must reflect what happened, as a Black person was a pariah in the land of his birth, this day is an important day in our history, land theft was an act of barbarism by the colonizers, and the truth must be spoken” said MEC Shushu.
The MEC also alluded to the possibility for the re-opening of new land claims. As part of making the 1913 Natives Land Act, the President of the Republic Mr. Jacob Zuma is expected to make announcement on the lodgement of new claims.
MEC Shushu warned communities not to pay anyone a cent who says he/she is putting a claim on their behalf. He assured them that both departments have resources and officials who will attend to their claims once the date has been set for new application.
Within his address, MEC Shushu praised the role played by Dikgosi and in particular;Kgosi Luke Jantjie of the Batlhaping Tribe and others for their outstanding leadership and the gallant combats of resistance against land dispossession prior and post the promulgation of this 1913 Natives Land Act.
The MEC also used the platform to call on various Communal Property Associations (CPA) to work together to the benefit of all the communities.
The commemoration was attended by Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC, Mr. MacCollin Jack, MEC for Social Development Ms. Tiny Chotelo, MEC for Public Works Mr. David Rooi who officiated at the commemoration. Also in attendance were the mayors from, Frances Baard District Municipality Ms Kgadi Moloi, Magareng Municipality Ms Gladys Makena and the host Mayor of Dikgatlhong Municipality Mr. Mogongwa.
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
Email: pmanankong@ncpg.gov.za