On 17 July 2025, residents of Mhlanga Location, Ntshamathe Location, and Ndunge Location woke up to the sound of a massive shutdown protest as they took their grievances to the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality in Bizana. Businesses in the area were forced to close as crowds gathered in defiance, demanding answers and action.
Thabo Ramathe, secretary of Thembalethu Communal Property Association (CPA), addressed the crowd, clarifying that this marked the third such protest—yet the municipality had failed to respond. He emphasized that the communities are protesting the illegal sale of their ancestral land by the municipality without their consent. Ramathe cited examples such as Browns and Spar supermarkets, which were allegedly constructed on land that rightfully belongs to the people, but currently pay rent to the municipality.
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The crowd’s frustration was further fuelled by claims that Eskom was also sold off under similar questionable terms. Protesters demanded the return of their land and insisted that all revenue generated from such properties be directed back to the rightful owners—the communities.
PHOTO BY: Pondoland TimesOne of the major sticking points is the municipality’s alleged refusal to issue title deeds to landowners. National Minister Mr. Gaba eventually intervened, acknowledging the depth of the issue as “the elephant in the room.” The situation drew solidarity from neighbouring villages and CPAs including Ward 1 and Izinini, who echoed similar grievances about land theft.
Onke Nkomo, secretary of Izinini CPA, expressed support:
“We are here to back Thembalihle CPA. We too are victims of illegal land sales. For example, in 2019, 48 hectares of our 1,279-hectare land were taken. We want to know who authorised that decision, because the person responsible, Mr. Memela, hasn’t returned or provided a settlement.”
The protest also spotlighted local hiring practices. Protesters alleged that outsiders are being favoured for employment in local developments, leaving rightful landowners jobless.
“People from Zininini and Ntshamathe are left out, while those with the surname Madikizela are prioritised,” some protesters claimed.
Mr. Bhele from the Ratepayers Association voiced additional concerns: “The municipality must stop treating residents as enemies. Outsiders are bringing drugs and crime. We demand a local shopping mall and public hospital.”
Xolile Sontsele presented a petition to Minister Mzwandile Nyosho, titled “Bizana Shutdown Protest Against Land Invasion (We Are Fighting Corruption),” highlighting demands and grievances, including:
- R41 million in allegedly unaccounted payment funds.
- R89 million allegedly misappropriated by the municipality.
- An immediate halt to the illegal sale of communal land.
Mr. Mgedezi, Head of the Department of Provincial Land Affairs, assured residents the petition would be officially submitted. Meanwhile, CPA Chairperson Mzingiso Sontsele gave the minister five days to respond, warning that protests would continue until there is a resolution.
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Residents closed the day with calls for continued unity and more protests if necessary. “It’s been 30 years of being ignored,” one protester said. “But now, we are fighting back.” The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality has not yet issued a statement in response to the protest.
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