FLAGSTAFF- Ingquza Hill Local Municipality(IHLM) has responded to many critics regarding the demolition of houses during the Easter weekend 2025, this comes after numerous homesteads were demolished by Red Ants Security Company on Friday 18 April 2025 on the outskirts of Flagstaff town.In a land that has been the middle of controversy.
More than 50 structures, (shacks and built structures) were demolished and occupants left without homes. The action was met with huge outcry from all corners, especially the affected parties, political parties and other organisations.
The municipality has since set the record straight regarding the matter, on a statement released this week highlighting the role of the media and responding to many people who reacted to the the municipality’s actions.
Statement issued by the local municipality suggested that, “This week has been very eventful both on the ground and online, it is no surprise that there are marches to our gates- the country’s allows for that. It allows people to voice out their views.”
The statement further continued, “Let us also acknowledge the role played by the media in sharing information. It plays a vital role in informing the public, shaping the public opinion, and facilitating democratic discourse.”
The municipality has vowed to reinforce the court order, which ruled in their favour, in what they described as land grab from some people.”The municipality is progressing with a court order with the aim of making sure that the commonageis free of unauthorised occupants. We cannot overemphasize the importance of having ample land for development,” IHLM.
The statement further drew back from when the matter was initiated and how it ended up in the courts of law.
In addition, the municipality has been dealing with the issue of land invasion (which is now becoming land grabbing) for a long time. “The people who are illegally occupying the commonage are aware of their unauthorised residency. The community knows about these lands, but these individuals decide to ignore the boundary markings and erect structures,” IHLM added.
“We have witnessed some damning video clips and commentary online which seek to paint the municipality wrong. We want to categorically state that our top priority is the people of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality and their interests.”
The past few weeks have seen marches and protest in both Flagstaff and Lusikisiki towns, where the said illegal structures were removed.
Photograph: supplied
Wonga Sirayi
05 May 2025
