DA’s Hoosen intervenes in land crisis

PROPERTY RIGHTS BATTLE

- NADIA KHAN

THE DA's mayoral candidate in eThekwini, Haniff Hoosen has stepped in to assist the farmers whose land has been illegally occupied.

Despite numerous police reports, the farmers have received little help from authorities.

Hoosen engaged with traditional leadership and government ministers to address what he described as criminal elements masquerading as traditional leaders.

Hoosen said he had been approached by the land owners for assistance.

"I was invited to a meeting with a group of farmers who were desperate for help. These are pioneer farmers who had been operating for decades. They have called on every government department for help, but they have been ignored. They have had several criminal cases opened at the police station, but the perpetrators are still occupying their land, and no action was taken against them. I will be fighting for their rights to land ownership."

Hoosen said he had since convened meetings with the traditional leadership in the area.