Minister: consolidate land claim, expect no quick-fixes

"Many countries that attained freedom long ago are still battling to resolve the land question. They say they are watching us to see how we deal with the issue," Nkwinti said.

The HaMasia community's disjointed restitution claim to a vast tract of land, and the fact that various other structures and individuals have separately lodged the claim on the same land, the minister said, was delaying resolution of the matter. Nkwinti asked the community to consolidate their claims, as the matter was causing discomfort in the community. The land question remained a problem in most parts of the world and had nothing to do with race, he said, adding that several countries in Africa, where there were no white people, were still battling with the issue.

Nkwinti's department has pledged to construct a multi-million rand multipurpose centre. The centre will house, among other things, a library, computer laboratory, a hall and sports facilities. The minister said that construction of the centre was expected to start in March. According to The Sowetan Live, the HaMasia Development Trust has partnered with the University of Venda and other private companies to identify opportunities for the community. Chief Thovhele Mbangiseni Masia said development in the area would provide hope and help bring back dignity to his people.

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