By Staff Reporter
MAKGOBA — The long-standing land conflict in Magoebaskloof has escalated once again, leaving dozens of families homeless and calling for urgent intervention.
On Friday, 14 November, residents of the Sapoekoe farms were forcibly removed from their homes after demolition machinery allegedly arrived without notice and tore down several structures. According to affected families, no formal eviction notice or relocation period was provided.
Many residents were left standing in the rain with their belongings scattered around them. Children missed school and workers were unable to report for duty as the chaos unfolded.
Community members claim that the individuals behind the demolition have been using a small group of people—who they insist are not legitimate Magoebaskloof residents—to sign documents on behalf of the broader community.
They believe this is part of an attempt to personally benefit from land claim funds and agreements, ultimately forcing rightful landowners off their ancestral land.
Witnesses say a large police contingent—reportedly officers from Giyani, Polokwane, Phalaborwa, and Haenertsburg—was deployed to the area, with estimates suggesting more than 60 members were present. Residents have questioned why local Tzaneen police were not assigned, raising suspicions about possible interference or special arrangements.
Attempts to secure legal representation have also repeatedly failed. According to residents, lawyers who initially agree to take on the case later withdraw or shift allegiance, which the community believes may be influenced by bribery or pressure.
The Sapoekoe farms form part of more than 42 properties that the Makgoba community considers their ancestral heritage. Over the years, they allege that elderly residents were made to sign documents without proper explanation—some reportedly receiving as little as R500, unknowingly giving up rights to their land.
Currently, families remain without shelter, water, sanitation or security. With their homes destroyed, children are missing examinations and residents say they feel exposed to harsh weather conditions, crime and wild animals. They are urgently appealing for humanitarian support, including tents, zinc sheets, wooden poles, food parcels and bedding.
The EFF in Tzaneen visited the displaced families and said they are engaging the Greater Tzaneen Municipality to provide emergency accommodation, ablution facilities and water. However, no official confirmation or assistance has been provided yet.
The community is also calling for legal support and the involvement of civil society organisations to intervene in what they describe as decades of intimidation, exploitation and land dispossession.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Greater Tzaneen Municipality were unsuccessful, as no response had been issued at the time of publishing. The story will be updated once a comment is provided.
