Question NW4511 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
06 December 2022 - NW4511
Joseph, Mr D to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Whether the claims made by the Khoisan Groups, that Knoflokskraal Grabouw in the Western Cape historically belonged to their forefathers, have been verified through research by her department; if not, what consultations are taking place between her department and other spheres of Government for a solution apart from the legal process; if so, what are the findings in this regard?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
I have been informed that the Department did not receive any claims from the Khoisan Group.
The Steer-Com has since been established, comprising officials from the following Stakeholders, including legal representation.
- National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI)
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE)
- Theewaterskloof Municipality (TWK)
- Prov. COGTA
- South African Police Services (SAPS)
The purpose of the Steer-Com is to:
- Establish Communication with the community leaders to discuss their reasons for the invasion and what their requirements are
- Coordinate a survey and profiling of occupants
- Determine control measures to prevent further invasion
- Develop and drive a comprehensive implementation plan and report progress and make recommendations to the Joint District and Metropolitan Approach Committee (JDMA)
- Develop interventions and remedial action.
The introductory meeting was held on 3 October 2022, a follow up meeting was held on 3 November 2022 and the third meeting was held on 16 November 2022 between the Steer-Com and the Community leaders.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the Community leaders will submit a proposal regarding their needs / requirements in order to determine a way forward.
Following the meeting on 16 November 2022, another meeting took place on 25 November 2022 between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Portfolio Committee, affected spheres of Government and the Community leaders in which the Community repeated that they are reclaiming their forefather’s land and confirmed that they will submit their proposal including the supporting documents relating to their claim.
The chairperson of DFFE Portfolio Committee requested NDPWI to submit detailed progress report to Committee on this matter. The detailed report is yet to be submitted.
I have, since, also had a meeting with the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, and Premier Alan Winde on 18 October and 17 November respectively.