The CEO of Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone Lehlogonolo Masoga and Vhaleya Community represented by tribe Chairperson Khethani Muleya signed the Memorandum of Understanding geared for the economic development of Antonvilla Farm as the home of the MMSEZ north site.
This follows the official recognition of the Vhaleya Community as the true land
Claimants of Antonvilla Farm following the gazetting of their claim by the Regional Land Claims Commissioner.
According to both parties, the signing of this partnership will not only pave a way for the speedy implementation of the MMSEZ infrastructure installation but will also provide security of tenure for the investors and unlock the immediate development of the Vhembe TVET College, Musina Campus inside the SEZ by providing a piece of land for development.
This partnership also seeks to empower the current landowner being the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to grant the MMSEZ developmental rights parallel to the land claim process. Masoga said the Provincial Government has already committed almost R1 billion to support the infrastructure development for the MMSEZ which will unlock immediate opportunities for the local communities.
Masoga also confirmed that after a series of engagements facilitated by the Limpopo Regional Land Claims Commissioner’s office between the MMSEZ SOC and the Vhaleya Community, the two parties have finally come to an agreement to work together to advance developmental initiatives for mutual benefit.
Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone was designated in 2016 on a farm called Antonvilla in Musina, which was subsequently claimed by the Vhaleya Community in 2020 in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994.
“Notwithstanding the dictates of the law, the two parties have agreed that despite the ongoing land claim processes nothing should stand in the way of development, especially for a project of strategic nature such as the MMSEZ. The MMSEZ is destined to transform the Musina-Makhado Corridor into a centre of economic activity which will positively impact on the lives of ordinary people and the downtrodden in particular,” said Masoga.
Muleya said however as the potential landlord, the Vhaleya Community is pleased to collaborate with the MMSEZ to allow the smooth implementation of the project without hindrance. “To this effect, the Vhaleyas have resolved to support the MMSEZ implementation and similarly authorises the Regional Land Claims Commissioner to pave the way in line with the provisions of section 11(7) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994,” he added.
MMSEZ spokesperson Shavana Mushwana told The Azanian that once the land claim is concluded, the Vhaleya tribe will exercise their rights in terms of options available to them by law to either settle for land restitution or financial compensation. Such a decision will ultimately redefine the relationship between the two parties going forward. In an event the Vhaleya settles for land restitution the farm will be transferred to them as the new landlord and the MMSEZ shall become their tenant. Similarly, if they opt for financial compensation, the land will be transferred to the MMSEZ and they will remain the indigenous community and primary beneficiaries in terms of opportunities available for local communities emanating from the MMSEZ.
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