The African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the Gauteng legislature on Wednesday condemned increasing cases of the illegal sale of land in various parts of the province, particularly in Tshwane. 

“These criminal syndicates not only rob people their hard earned money but also disrupt the development and implementation of human settlements projects that are addressing the challenges of lack of housing. We therefore call on members of the public to report anyone including councillors that are involved in the illegal sale of stands,” said ANC Gauteng chief whip Mzi Khumalo. 

“There is demonstrable progress in the rollout of mega human settlements projects and we acknowledge the persistent challenges of lack of housing, we urge our people to be vigilant and not fall prey to scams.” 

The ANC also condemned other political parties who have been encouraging communities to occupy land. 

“We condemn the irresponsible and opportunistic calls by some populist political parties for people to illegally occupy land. Unapproved and unplanned informal settlements often results in negative impact on provision of basic services including water and electricity. Illegal electricity connections not only pose danger but also damages infrastructure which results in power cuts,” said Khumalo. 

“We urge communities to report these scams to law enforcement authorities. Every illegal sale of land and occupation results in the disruption and delays of housing development that is so urgently needed.” 

Last month, scores of residents of Erasmuskloof in the plush Pretoria east area launched a bid to remove an estimated 300 people illegally occupying a vacant piece of land in the suburb.

Pretoria News reported that the homeowners had initiated a petition as part of the efforts to put pressure on the City of Tshwane head administrator Mpho Nawa to act against the invaders.

Some members of the Democratic Alliance party led by former councillors Francois Bekker and Daryl Johnston walked into Tshwane House to hand over the petition with 3 000 signatures to Nawa, who was unavailable.

They claimed that numerous efforts had been previously made in vain to request Nawa to act against the invaders of land co-owned by the City of Tshwane and the Public Investment Corporation.