Construction has started on the property.

The Madibeng Municipality has allegedly signed a lease agreement on agricultural land on Saartjiesnek for a company to build trailers and plant hire. The location is adjacent to one of Hartbeespoort’s popular tourist destinations.
Questions arose when land on Saartjiesnek, adjacent to the popular tourist attraction, Hartmark, was cleaned last week and activities indicated that a business was being established.
According to DA councillor Erna Rossouw, during an oversight visit to the property, the activities indicated that the Madibeng Municipality had entered into lease agreements for a plant hire, trailer construction and scrap metal enterprise on the property zoned as agricultural. “This was done without conducting thorough investigations into rezoning requirements. This decision has significant implications for land use and future developments,” she said.
“During our oversight inspection of the property, we found that the leased property lacks essential infrastructure such as water and electricity connections. The property in question serves as one of the main entrances to Hartbeespoort. Its strategic location makes it crucial for proper planning and development. Despite its significance, the lessee has decided to make this entrance from the R511 which is the busiest access point to Hartbeespoort. This decision could impact traffic flow and safety in the area, especially over weekends. It’s important to note that the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) did not grant permission for any entrances to this specific property. The lack of coordination with Sanral raises further questions about the municipality’s decision-making process.”
The Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970 stipulates that no lease shall be entered into for a portion of agricultural land unless the Minister of Agriculture provides written consent. This consent is required for all leases of 10 years or more, those tied to the natural life of the lessee, or those renewable indefinitely. Failure to obtain such consent renders the lease agreement void.
She said that the DA has formally corresponded with Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane, and municipal manager Morufo Moloto, requesting them to immediately put an end to all lease agreements subject to the rezoning process and to obtain the necessary approval from the Minister of Agriculture.
“We also demanded the Mayor send out official invitations for a proper public participation process meeting during the rezoning process, where submissions from the public must be considered before there can be any consideration of facilitating rezoning in support of this lease.”
Despite repeated requests for information from the municipality, Madibeng did not respond to Kormorant’s enquiry.