The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has obtained a court interdict barring land invaders from illegally occupying provincial land in Southern Farm, Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg. This follows ongoing battles between the department and residents from various communities who have been turning vacant land into informal settlements in areas such as Ennerdale, Eldorado Park, Freedom Park, Diepkloof, Lenasia, Naledi, Orlando, Alexandra and Meadowlands.
The department approached the South Gauteng High Court to stop the widespread land-grabs after residents occupied vacant land in South Farm in September. Last week, the land invaders gathered at the Gauteng High Court where their legal representatives were expected to oppose the interdict. However, the matter was postponed to next year on February 10.
But the invaders said they were not backing down on their intention to occupy Southern Farm. They camped outside the court singing struggle songs in support of their legal representatives and their leaders who were inside the court.