The Madibeng municipality recently acquired three farms near Brits for a total amount of over R50 million which will be used to address the need for housing. The funding was made available by the North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements.

The deeds registration of the farms were done in December and a public outcry followed the publication thereof. However, the intended acquisition of the properties (farms) and others were published in the municipality’s annual report, open for public scrutiny, last year and it was approved by council.

The three farms cover 192 ha and are situated between Brits and Lethlabile. “The three properties are situated next to an approved township. These properties will be used to address the need for human settlement as well as related ancillaries.” said municipal spokesperson, Tumelo Tshabalala.

“The municipality is faced with growing informal settlements and doesn’t have capital to purchase land in order to address this situation. Submissions are made through the Housing Development Agency as well as the )Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in North West to assist in purchasing land on behalf of the municipality.”

He said the properties are situated next to a provincial road and will assist in addressing human settlements development in Letlhabile which is at high risk of informal settlements.