The Department of Home Affairs said privately owned land near South Africa’s borders may be expropriated if it interferes with the redevelopment programme.
In efforts to strengthen the country’s borders, the department announced on Wednesday that it would be upgrading six of South Africa’s land border posts in a public-private partnership programme.
The earmarked border posts are Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg, Kopfontein and Oshoek.
The transaction partner of this redevelopment programme, Bowmans Law identified land availability as one of the potential risks.
However, a partner at law firm, Bowmans, Wandisile Mandlana said none of the risks his firm identified are fatal to the deal.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said land previously under the Agriculture and Public Works departments was transferred to the Border Management Authority (BMA).
He said negotiations are ongoing with the private landowners for an amicable solution.
“If anybody refuses, we might even have to expropriate. Yes, we might have to do so because we can’t allow anybody to hold many countries at ransom just because they own a small piece of land.”
Construction is expected to commence towards the end of 2024.
-EWN
In other news – Watch: Connie Ferguson loses focus as Kelly Rowland’s song slaps her hard
Popular American singer Kelly Rowland’s hit song ‘Work’ caught South African actress, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, Connie Ferguson off-guard dancing in the gym. The South African actress is well known for her love for dancing and time in the gym.
She had managed to keep her body in shape thanks to her gym workouts and music always helping her. This time around, Connie lost it all when she played Kelly’s hit song Work. Read More
