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AfriForum has today once again emphasised the importance of protecting property rights with the rerelease of its comprehensive guide on illegal land occupation. This guide equips landowners with essential knowledge and legal remedies on how to prevent and respond to land grabs. AfriForum hereby emphasises the necessity of knowledge regarding the right to the protection of property.

Illegal land occupations pose significant financial and legal challenges that necessitate proactive measures. AfriForum’s guide offers practical advice and information regarding preventive measures that can be taken to prevent illegal occupation, such as securing property boundaries and maintaining continuous surveillance of the property. The guide also outlines the legal recourse for dealing with trespassing and unlawful occupation in accordance with South African law.

“AfriForum’s division for Community Safety is concerned that the signing of the Expropriation Act may encourage the illegal occupation of private land,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety. “It is, therefore, of utmost importance that landowners and persons in control of property take the necessary measures to discourage potential unlawful occupation of land.”

According to Broodryk, incidents of illegal land occupation, such as those reported on private property along the Matlala Road outside Seshego in Limpopo, have flared up since the end of January. In certain cases, land occupiers even argue that the newly signed Expropriation Act gives them the right to occupy the land.

“Illegal land occupation violates the fundamental rights of landowners,” emphasises Broodryk. “In light of the volatility regarding the Expropriation Act and its possible abuse through illegal land occupation, this guide provides the necessary tools for communities to act decisively and within the framework of the law and effectively protect their property.”

AfriForum calls on all landowners to familiarise themselves with the content of the guide and to join community safety structures, such as an AfriForum neighbourhood watch, to strengthen their defences against illegal land grabs. The full guide is available here.

Issued by AfriForum