13 Jun 2024

Following public concerns about lengthy processes for sub-divisions and consolidations of land, government has taken a decision to task land boards with performing this function to expedite the process.

This comes after government through the statutory instrument No26 of 2024 established the spatial planning function at the land boards, a function that encompassed settlement preparation of plans, consolidation and sub-division of land and processing of planning permission.

“Approval of sub-divisions and consolidation of land without change of land use will be done administratively by the land boards,” revealed Mr Shepherd Chakalisa from Department of Town and Country Planning during the stakeholder workshop organised by Mmadinare Sub- land Board.

However he said all applications that required sub-division and consolidation with change of land use shall be processed and approved by the planning authority. “Approval of all other planning applications remained with the planning authority,” he said.

Mr Chakalisa further explained that these changes removed requirement for physical planning committee approval in consideration of sub-division and consolidation of land without change of land use and for 50 per cent sub-division of farms for other activities.

Touching on the registration of land grants including customary grants, the Regional Head of Deeds Registry, Mr Goitseone Lesiela emphasised on the importance of registering customary land grants.

He said having a registered deed made it easier for individuals to apply for mortgage bonds, adding that this was a huge economic benefit to society.

Mr Lesiela said it was also harder for the deeds documents because they have security features and also provided for records to be electronically kept.

For his part Kgosi Tlhako Motlhasedi of Tobane thanked Mmadinare Sub-land Board for organising such a workshop to share and engage with stakeholders on issues pertaining to land.

He said dikgosi as the village leadership, ought to have critical information on land reforms so that they serve their communities better and be in a position to handle matters regarding land.

Kgosi Phillip Tamocha of Robelela also shared the same sentiments, giving the sub-land board a pat on the back for maintaining a good relationship with the village leadership in Mmadinare and surrounding villages.

He thanked government for improving the turnaround time for sub-divisions and consolidation of land and for giving communities in rural areas the opportunity to add value to their land, adding that it was difficult to use customary land certificate to apply for a mortgage.

“We welcome this development and we encourage our people to use the opportunity to develop their farms by incorporating other economic activities.

The day was held under the theme: Building towards Aligned and Informed Clientele. ENDS