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Special Assignment: Cash-For-Land Scams

Written by TVSA Team from the blog Special Assignment on 21 Nov 2012
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Coming up on Special Assignment this week:

Episode title: Cash-For-Land Scams

Broadcast date: Thursday, 22 November 2012

Teaser ...


SA 22 Nov 2012 Pic 4

SA 22 Nov 2012 Pic 2

SA 22 Nov 2012 Pic 1

This week Special Assignment turns the spotlight onto Lenasia, a suburb south of Johannesburg where dramatic scenes have played out over the past few weeks as bulldozers moved in to demolish dozens of homes.

Special Assignment brings you the stories behind the dramatic scenes that unfolded on our television screens and the front pages of newspapers across the country.

The provincial government says the homes were built on government land. But residents say they’ve been duped by cash-for-land scammers who sold the land to them and provided what seemed like legitimate documentation. The scams turned out to be wide ranging syndicates that include officials from the housing department, Joburg Water and the City of Johannesburg.

About two hundred houses are on the government’s hit list in the first phase of demolitions. An urgent court application by the Human Rights Commission temporarily halted the controversial demolitions. But despite mounting anger over the government’s actions that have left dozens of families homeless, the bulldozers once again rolled into a different section of Lenasia this week and continued with more demolitions.

Special Assignment also looks at how the country’s housing crisis affects a section of society that does not qualify for RDP homes but also don’t earn enough to qualify for bonds to formally enter the property market. These working class families have now lost everything.

The investigation also reveals how these scams even stretch into the rental market. In one instance, a de facto landlord has built 10 properties on government land and is renting it out to tenants seemingly with assistance from City Power, Jo’burg Council and even the courts.

“Cash-For-Land Scam” is produced by Adél van Niekerk.



Special Assignment is on SABC3 on Thursdays at 21h00.





51 Comments

Ntaksay
21 Nov 2012 10:47

Yho this is hectic. I feel sorry for these people.

myname
21 Nov 2012 16:06

I usually watch my chick flicks on Thursday night but I’ve recorded this on my phone coz i don’t wanna miss it. Its really tear-jerking man. I think (please hear me out before u scrutinise my neck) I would understand if it was shacks because one can build that in one day but destroying someone’s house like that!!! It makes me sick man. And its even worse coz Tokyo Sexwale is on mute. Is he supposed to say something about this saga nha?????? 

I hope they find that scumbag and teach him/her a lesson including his/her associates because he/she was not working alone.

mathatas
21 Nov 2012 17:28

i feel shame for them...to be honest how on earth do you buy a stand for 7000 n build a house valued for 400 000???

ke mathata fela

VusiK
21 Nov 2012 21:16

There is really nothing to say ...
The government happens to be in the right ... in this case.
I would do the exact same thing
sorry folks , ... right is right

Veron
22 Nov 2012 08:18

This is sad man, yes the government owns the land but isnt there a way that they can offer to sell the land to these people to avoid demolishing these houses. These people where scammed they do not not invade the land and there is a housing crisis already in the country to make more people homeless as well. The government should have tried other alternatives rather than this, this should have been the last option.

maddie
22 Nov 2012 10:52

@Veron I agree with you

an alternative should have been sought.

these ppl built these houses with their own money instead of looking for RDP houses.

are the scammers gonna be brought to book since they r government officials?

I was also surprised gore the people in rural areas do not own the land but it belongs to some tribal what what which is why they cannot ask for loans from the bank.

I still need insight on this issue though am emotional seeing so many ppl having spent so much money on their houses loosing it like that

Friend
22 Nov 2012 11:21

The Govt might own the land which has been lying idle since 1900 BC, these people are trying not to rely on the Govt for houses which they will never get, they should have found a solution before bringing those houses down.

Oon the other hand in 2006  these people were made aware that tthey had acquired the land fraudulently hence they must not build, but they did not listen. in this scenario who is to blame?

mathatas
22 Nov 2012 11:42

if a father is a thief his kids turns to be thiefffffos,

Friend
22 Nov 2012 12:00

But why didnt the Government take this demolishing action then? why now? why did they wait for so long? when they realized that these people were fraudulently occupying the space why didnt they immediately remove them? 

The Govt doesn't have it's people at heart, putting into consideration that they own hectares and hectares of un-used land. Come election time, the same Govt will expect the same people to vote for them.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 12:19

@Friend ... the land owner is under no obligation to take any action at any particular time. One can act at any time , or at their convenience.

I am certain people got arrogant with the land owner and whatever solution was anticipated failed completely ... I have seen this happen evry time on many properties ... so we end up with no choice but force (on the side of the law) ... { this is our culture .}

Friend
22 Nov 2012 13:08

I hear you Vusi, but the Land Owner being our Govt, where do they expect those people to go, build more shacks? where? they should have considered the amount of money used to build those houses,  etc. the Govt acted out of  emotions.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 13:38

It is none of the land owner's business in reality.
It might be govt responsibility, .. but not the land owner (different roles of govt in this regard)

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 13:44

The government is not EVERYTHING ...
people seem to be of the opinion that the government is everything ... it is not!

the government has many roles to lay, and many hats to wear ...
excellent governance is a result of many factors ...

the government is correct in its actions in relation to people occupying its land ... the rest of the questions, issues, and possible answers actually have nothing to do with the correctness of government's actions in bulldozing the occupants' dwellings.
FACT ... DO NOT INVADE SOMEONE ELSE'S PROPERTY and not expect them to protect themselves, or defend their property, or their rights to such property ...

the same applies to statutory and natural bodies ...

swazzy
22 Nov 2012 14:07

I agree with VusiK I dnt feel sorry for them.. They should have moved and tried to salvage what they cud the moment they where informed that they are occupying the land illegally.. Now they are acting like victims

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 14:14

They are not victims Swazzy ... they had a clear understanding of their options ... my opinion is that they thought the govt would simply walk away ...

It did not.

poshspice
22 Nov 2012 14:32

I fully agree with Vusi, you are spot on.... "I am certain people got arrogant with the land owner and whatever solution was anticipated failed completely ... I have seen this happen evry time on many properties " Exactly! My colleague knows someone who bought a large part of land on the same street...he built a number of houses. My colleague says they told him not to build, he went ahead and built houses. I believe there are those few who were really scammed or naive into thinking they can buy land e Goli in an area like that for R7000, but some knew exactly what they were getting themselves into. Unfortunately our community is used to corruption and fraud...and getting away with it. It is a shock to see the government acting against it!

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 14:36

It is a shock to see the government acting against it!

However late the hour ... it is reassuringly refreshing to witness !

Keyah
22 Nov 2012 14:46

Vusi o bua masepA O MARETE

poshspice
22 Nov 2012 14:49

@Vusi This one is a real test for our democracy..... On one side, you've got those who got their land illegally, whose structures are being destroyed and people who sympathize with them Then you've got Lenasia residents who complain that these people connect illegal electricity and water which cost them lots of money and increases rates Then you've got people who have been on the housing waiting list who are legal recipients of the land that is occupied by these people, who are also pursuing their matter through court demanding their land bank Then you've got a government who is supposed to be lenient and sympathetic to black people, they are now between a rock and a hard place. They have to uphold the law and the only way to do that in this situation is to force those people out and destroy those houses, arrest officials that sold the land and give that land back to its rightful beneficiaries. And stop the illegal connection of water, electricity etc etc etc. Like Vusi said, people are arrogant, Gauteng government has been in consultation with these people since 2006, they refused options they were given, they refused to stop building.... Allowing them to stay was going to be promoting lawlessness, deny rightful owners, their land and continue to benefit those that are connected...who are building mansions..... Those who sympathize with these people, if you were government what would you have done?

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 14:51

@Keyah ...
What can I say  ...

My opinion is my own , and it possibly resembles faecal matter...
and
My testicles are definitely mine

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 14:56

@Posh ...

We have a culture of lawlessness that needs to be addressed with a desperate speed.

But we have also been relating with a government that seems apathetic to the needs and demands of people.

Such events are a definite test of our fledgling democracy, ...

Someone who was about to throw the towel in and leave as we did had a discussion with me about the state of our nation.

It actually took a short coversation to remind him that the ANC only has 130k or so members ... Why are people behaving as though it is omnipotent?

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 14:59

(The ANC does not have millions of voters) ...

The ANC LEVERAGES the votes and sentiments of other organizations and those organizations spheres of influence to make itself seem strong.

However ...

The ANC itself ... is miniscule !

The secret to power lies in such realities, not in propaganda, opinions, and perceptions, and sentiments.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:04

The government, as a land owner (who probably exhausted all avenues of redress and alternatives) ..... did the right thing, I have no doubt of my opinion when observing these events.

poshspice
22 Nov 2012 15:05

It is indeed refreshing! I went to the bank, last week and there is an old man that assists with queues. This bank is opposite the Luthuli House in JHB CBD, and there was a march that day by those in support of Palestine. This old man said you know it is all well and good for the ANC to support other countries, but they are failing us....when I started defending the ruling party, citing the achievements so far, the old man got very emotional, he started telling me about his 20 year wait for the RDP, how he has been on waiting lists while other people jump the list and get houses. Hearing a human story or hearing the plight of the victim of these illegally bought land is different from watching it on TV.....this man said I'm old now, working for this bank that pays us too little, I don't have a proper shelter for my family, this government has let us down I was heart broken!

mathatas
22 Nov 2012 15:05

Vusi o bua masepA O MARETE......LMAO....marete a batho...mara a monate aker

poshspice
22 Nov 2012 15:10

Yes Vusi, the ANC without the alliance partners is weak! That is why they Vavi gets away with *bleep!* on them! They know where their bread is buttered, he would have been expelled like Malema kudala

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:11

... more about the ANC & the pshychosis or perception ...

People need to get a clear understanding that ...
The ANC is not the government, nor is it the ruling party ... nobody & nothing RULES me/ over me
the ANC is voted into administering our country on our behalf ... those who are not happy have always got possible alternatives they can consider and/ or exercise.

Unfortunately ... since 1994 ... the ANC deliberately destroyed government by destroying the beaurocracy that administered this country (albeit almost exclusively for whites) ... regardless ... it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE to rebuild a government, regardless of who administers it ...
It might take time ... but it is not impossible.

poshspice
22 Nov 2012 15:20

@Vusi in other countries are ruling parties also in alliance with other formations like SA.... Did the Democrats in the US win election independently without forming alliances?

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:21

The organizational depth of knowledge of administration that left with white beaurocrats will take a very long time to correct ,,,
but even politics subscribe to the rules of the universe/ nature ... and my opinion is that a balancing factor and force is already engaging the corrections necessary.

Of all the government departments I encounter ... only one is filled with competency from bottom to almost top ... The Treasury.
Everyone should thank their stars for that because we would not exist if the  opposite was true. (I am not a fan of the minister ... I find him *******)

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:24

@Vusi in other countries are ruling parties also in alliance with other formations like SA


@Posh ... not at all .... Deals are always struck ... it is a rule of nature that one will always need another to survive. We are an excellent example of this ... all clustered for shelter and protection from predators in our various forms of caves.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:25

... and in large numbers, lol

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:37

We have a desperate need for the proper "high quality" institutional knowledge to return to administering this country ... We need to restore a very strong beaurocracy

Not paying attention to this particular crisis ... dooms us as a nation.
ALWAYS ... when in this particular argument ....
and the rhetoric and propaganda comes from all sides and beings

I always say...
Me and my family have alternatives
We have somewhere else to go (Because we own property in Northern Economies)

When this country hits less than zero ...
...
Do you have somewhere else you can run to?

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 15:42

It is an understatement to say that we are extremely disappointed in / with the ANC (That is a personal opinion) ... It is not the ANC we signed up for ...
...
THIS is not the  ANC we risked life and limb for..
...
But THIS IS the ANC !, and there is little any singular individual can probably do to return it to the spirit that inspired us when we were young and highly impressionable ...
or day I say naive and gullable !

Sobza
22 Nov 2012 15:49

I  must certainly watch this one, as much as I feel pity for those who lost their houses.....this will certainly teach others not to take short cuts and abide by the law. It is a bold move by the Gauteng government I must say considering the fact that we are not far from the elections and knowing how politicians operate....some would have waited until the elections are over before demolishing those houses

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 16:00

It is sad that people lost their homes.

It was interestingly myopic of them to claim ownership of land without title, and put up improvements worth millions of rands.

That is incredibly myopic, and reduces the amount of sympathy the "victims" can possibly leverage.
... BTW ..

A simple rule ...

If possible, never buy un-bonded property (We love using the banks as our whipping boy ... just in case this kind of this rears its possibility ... recourse can be massive for a bank if it involves itself in fraudulent action ... which is why banks will not engage transactions such as these)
People know people ... and some people work at the deeds office can do things for people who know them ...

Use the larger law-firm attorneys (They carry HUGE malpractice cover)
Use the banks (not to borrow ... but for fiduciary services)

Keyah
22 Nov 2012 16:05

tazz what what. i meant what i said

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 16:13

@Keyah ...

What Tazz is driving at is that you are violating the terms of use (which you agreed to) for the site.

if you have a poit to debate ... let's go at it,
...
Please leave my anatomy and my opinion to me.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 16:47

for the duration of our generation ...
The DA is always going to climb the impossible slope of perception that it is a party of & for white people.

I know I will not vote for the DA.

VusiK
22 Nov 2012 16:52

Vusi o bua masepA O MARETE......

@ Tazz ...
now ...
refer to the article you wrote yesterday

VusiK
23 Nov 2012 10:34

How was the Special Assignment episode of last night?

Comments anyone?

Friend
23 Nov 2012 10:49

Would love to know too. i missed it.  recap please guys.

Friend
23 Nov 2012 11:18

Another religious structure on Govt land demolished in Soweto,

VusiK
23 Nov 2012 11:42

As long as it it on someone else's land,...
I observe with great interest.
Matters such as these interest me greatly. :-)

Religious organizations are notorious property invaders ... illegally, and then claim moral and ethical authority, PISH !!

I have been fighting the council tooth and nail over a religious organization that dominates the use of the community buildings in my home town for years ... The fight rages on !

maddie
23 Nov 2012 12:11

Vusi u r a shrewd business man lol

If government is serious about fighting corruption they shld find those officials who sold land to these ppl fruadulently and get them arrested.

the conspiracy theorist in me can't help but think this is just a political ploy to discredit Tokyo since he showed interest in being the president of the Anc and he's the minister of human settlement after all.

I wonder what could have happened if the DA did this legally or otherwise

Friend
23 Nov 2012 12:23

I wonder what could have happened if the DA did this legally or otherwise.

They would have been called racists who do not care about black people. etc.

Have a soft spot for ANC though.

babygal
23 Nov 2012 12:48

Totally agree with uVusi, those people were told way back that they are not allowed to build in that land, and they went ahead. what were they expecting that the government would just sit back and let them be, where in the world do you buy a plot for R7000, i would love to buy that plot myself, they do even have title deeds, hayisuka maan.

Friend
23 Nov 2012 13:08

The title deeds are fake Babygal. Some of them knew what they were getting themselves into, taking chances kalok.

VusiK
23 Nov 2012 13:16

Yah Mzantsi ...

The country yabo Cleva ...

What is that saying about the timid/ cowards  and survival/ not weeping?

Anyway ....
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GREAT DEAL ... there is always a catch/ hook.
Mina ... I have my own manual of operations , and it works for me, and I have no regrets at the little extra I have to pay for the services others would rather waive.

myname
23 Nov 2012 13:43

Hey guys 

Eish i managed to get the bits. Ok, i heard some were told about this land bt some did not know because the people who were behind this faked EVERYTHING. Now tell me couldn’t government find another solution than demolishing those beautiful houses. Not all of us can afford bond houses (myself first) and chances of me getting those RDP houses are very slim. But destroying people’s home was/is not a good decision. I admit they did wrong but come on guys! Surely there are some other alternatives the government should have done to repay whoever owns that land. 

Tazz i feel u about DA. Its their chance to lie because all political parties LIE. Personally i truly hate ANC i really do shame. This party doesnt care about the people of this country. Its full of hungry lions that are fighting for money. It is rotten from the roots. Our President is building a palace for his family with our tax money while some South Africans do not have shelter. Its really a shame. ONomvula are busy yapping instead of organising basic needs for these people. You know I am so tired of our so called leaders.
 
Lastly I just pray they find all these scumbags that are behind this. It’s a pity all you gonna hear is WE ARE STILL INVESTIGATING

Guys please do enjoy your weekend. Take care.

VusiK
23 Nov 2012 16:53

Now tell me couldn’t government find another solution than demolishing those beautiful houses ...

I need to understand why the government is expected to present solutions when itis the vviolated party ... Remove the reality that the land belongs to the government and make yourself the landowner ... then confront the issue and various problems around it.

All I hear of people expecting government to do something charitable is suggestive of entitlement ... we have destroyed enough of our country feeding our sense of entitlement ... it is time for us to buck up and admit our faults ... we are headed nowehere slowly as long as we are prepared to violate anything and not accept fault ... and expect someone else to remedy the messes we create.

The goverment is correct in its action ... I feel very strongly about this reality ... and It probably suggested many solutions ... evidently none were acceptable to the pepole who were in the wrong in the first place ...  I am speculating in some cases because I am an onbserver/ reader ... but the landowner is perfectly within his rights here ... end of story.

People would rather do whatever pleases them than attend community meetings in most cases ... so .... anything is possible.

VusiK
23 Nov 2012 16:58

But destroying people’s home was/is not a good decision

Roman dutch law ... What inures of the land conveys of the land ...
ipso ... the people were staying in government houses .. not their own because they did not won the land ... simple translation ... these were not the people's homes ...

The law is extremely clear, and rather simple on these issues ...

No point in being emotional ...the law favoured the government as the injured and agrieved party ... with or without remedy, the government had the last say in how its affairs and assets are handled ...


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