Reclaiming State property

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will today undertake Operation Bring Back (OBB), which aims to oversee the implementation of eviction orders in State-owned properties around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. Zikalala will be accompanied by the Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi. The action is part of the Eastern Cape and nation-wide Government plan to reclaim unlawfully occupied state properties. Operation Bring Back is an initiative of the national Department of Public Works (DPW), which aims to recover land and other properties, including farms that were illegally occupied or stolen from the State prior to and immediately after the 1994 democratic transition. In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, No 108 of 1996, all State owned national and provincial immovable assets must be vested in the name of the national government or in the name of the nine provinces. The national government is therefore the custodian of all natio nal government immovable assets. In April 2011, the National Department of Public Works started the OBB programme, which was largely dependent on the public coming forward to report cases of misappropriation through a call centre that was launched during a public communication campaign at the time. This OBB programme ceased to function in October 2011 and no cases were investigated. Following the evictions under today's programme, an oversight visit will be carried out at the construction site of the Mqanduli Office Precinct in Mqanduli. In the Eastern Cape, there are 82 properties that are currently going through legal channels, including 57 eviction orders. Of these, 21 have been evaluated and are recommended for execution, with a target of completing 36 evictions by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year. All eviction actions will strictly adhere to legal standards and respect tenant rights. The Mqanduli Office Precinct is designed to enhance local government services and stimulate economic growth i n the area. This modern facility aims to improve accessibility for residents and provide a collaborative space for various government departments. Source: South African Government News Agency