EASTERN CAPE - EC COMMUNITY GETS R27 MILLION LAND CLAIM COMPENSATION

The 178 families that were forcefully removed from their land in Qelana near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape have finally been compensated with R27-million nearly 20 years after lodging their claim.

Zwelinzima Gilintaba and hundreds of other villagers were forced out of their ancestral land in 1959.

Now, due to the land restitution process, they will be compensated for their suffering. The claim was lodged in 1998.

Gilintaba says: "It was painful to be forcefully removed from the place we grew up in. We had no choice but to come here and cultivate the land. The only thing I did not like is that we were not compensated. I am so happy that we are finally compensated."

Beneficiary Khanyisile Ndzungu says: "To me this is a dream come true. I also don't believe this when I think of the way they were removed. No one ever thought this day will ever come for us to benefit from that land."

The Land Claims Commission says its work is continuing to ensure all valid claims are realised.

Gobodo chief land claims commissioner Nomfundo Ntloko says: "We are continuing to do the work. You will see us here and there but it’s not only the Eastern Cape. We’re dealing with restitution of land rights giving back dignity to various communities around the country."

About 16 000 of the 17 000 land claims that were lodged in the Eastern Cape, have been completed.