The whites-only Afrikaner settlement of Kleinfontein, located east of Pretoria, is facing a potential crisis as the City of Tshwane threatens to demolish the community. Leaders within Kleinfontein have expressed their “disappointment” at the municipality’s recent actions.
The City of Tshwane has served the settlement with a court notice, demanding that Kleinfontein submit a new spatial planning and land use management application. This new application is meant to supplement what the municipality considers an outdated application filed back in 2013. According to the city, Kleinfontein is among 17 settlements identified as illegal and improperly zoned for township establishments.
Dannie de Beer, spokesperson for the Kleinfontein community, voiced concerns about the financial implications of submitting a new application. He stated, “Naturally, Kleinfontein is disappointed with the court action from Tshwane. Instead of engaging with the community in talks and sitting around the table, Tshwane has decided not only to take the community to court, but also threaten them with demolition. As far as we know, we are the only community, settlement that is being threatened by Tshwane this way. We take exception to it.”
The situation raises questions about selective enforcement and potential bias on the part of the municipality. Critics argue that the government's actions might be influenced by the perceived lack of potential backlash from the Afrikaner community compared to other groups. The debate underscores broader issues of land ownership, historical injustices, and the desire of some communities to create spaces that align with their core values.
Key Questions Arise
- Is Tshwane unfairly targeting Kleinfontein?
- What are the long-term consequences for South Africa if Kleinfontein is successful in its challenge?
- Does the municipality apply the same scrutiny to all settlements, regardless of their demographics?
The Future of Kleinfontein
The coming legal battle will likely determine the future of Kleinfontein and set a precedent for other communities seeking autonomy. The situation highlights the complex interplay between local governance, community rights, and the ongoing struggle to address historical inequalities in South Africa.