Future of Khoisan Settlement in Grabouw Hangs in the Balance

Knoflokskraal features a restaurant, nursery, livestock farming, and vegetable gardens; however, it lacks adequate water supply.

• The Khoisan community at Knoflofskraal is experiencing growth and expansion through small-scale agriculture.
• However, the property is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which has already secured a legal injunction against any additional habitation.
• The Department mentions that they are still exploring various possibilities for the property.
• In the meantime, the settlement faces a shortage of water. Theewaterskloof Municipality has been supplying some water as part of a "humanitarian effort," however, locals claim this amount is insufficient.

The families living close to Grabouw have an unclear future ahead since the DPWI, which is the owner of this land, is still considering various possibilities.

The region currently called Knoflokskraal was initially inhabited in 2020 by individuals aiming to create a self-reliant Khoisan community within the Elgin Valley. Since then, the settlement has expanded, featuring residences, livestock farms, and vegetable plots spanning over 1,800 hectares.

When small farmer Benjamin September relocated to Knoflokskraal from Grabouw, he mentions that it was initially "nothing but bush."

"He remarks that we are turning nothing into something." September mentions that owning a plot of land for farming has always been his aspiration.

"We didn't come for housing. We came to farm... We will work the land, plant on it, and live from it. That was our reason. Not housing... Our main goal is to be self-sustaining," September said.

He mentioned that vegetable gardens and farm animals assist farmers in combating the increasing cost of living.

Knoflokskraal has consistently posed challenges for the government from the very beginning. Shortly following the initial takeover, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure initiated legal proceedings that led to a containment order. This directive prohibits anyone from moving into the area or enlarging their property boundaries and stops the importation of construction supplies. Nonetheless, despite these restrictions, the community continues to grow.

At first, the area was designated for afforestation by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The DFFE intended to remove the inhabitants from the site. However, Minister Barbara Creecy at that time decided otherwise. said In 2022, the responsibility for managing the land was set to revert to Public Works.

In May 2023, the inhabitants of Knoflokskraal picketed On the N2, calling for access to water and sanitation facilities, as well as the removal of the quarantine restrictions. Earlier this year, they organized three additional demonstrations. protest So on the N2 they demanded improved access to water.

The Theewaterskloof municipality has said It lacks the resources to provide essential amenities such as water and sanitation. Community members state that they would be willing to pay for these services once proper infrastructure is put in place.

A water pump exists on the property, drawing water directly from the river. However, September mentioned that the pump ceased operation following an electricity cutoff by Eskom because the utility bill was unpaid. Although the Theewaterskloof Municipality refills two 5,000-liter water tanks every day, this supply falls short of what’s needed, as per September.

He stated that our gardens and animals have been adversely affected.

The municipality informed GroundUp that they provide water exclusively as a humanitarian gesture, though this falls outside their official responsibilities. They also stated that such assistance cannot be sustained on a larger scale since it is not covered within their operating budget.

GroundUp observed locals clustered near a water tank, refilling five-liter bottles. Some were transporting water uphill using carts, having collected it from the nearby river.

Lennox Mabaso, a representative for Public Works, stated that the department "does not supply essential amenities like water and electricity to individuals who are unlawfully residing on government-owned land."

Throughout the years, individuals have expanded both their living areas and outdoor spaces. Homes can be constructed from bricks, timber, or galvanized steel panels. These properties feature sizable lots adorned with abundant plant life. A number of inhabitants utilize solar energy systems complete with battery backups as well as onsite wastewater treatment facilities.

Numerous enterprises have been established, such as a restaurant, nursery, fuel refill stations, and woodworking shops. Market days occur on certain weekends.

Several individuals informed GroundUp that they relocated to Knoflokskraal for retirement purposes. Some buildings were found to be securely locked and unoccupied, as the proprietors resided in different locations, according to information provided to GroundUp.

Julius Maree, who chairs the Knoflokskraal Emerging Farmers group representing around 40 small-scale farmers, stated that working the land is “far from easy.” He explained, “It requires immense perseverance. Many have quit. Determination is key,” according to Maree.

He mentioned that Grabouw, from where he moved to Knoflofskraal, had grown overcrowded and unsafe. Upon spotting the chance to start farming in Knoflofskraal, he embraced it wholeheartedly, as Maree recounted. His intention is to eventually retire in this new location.

Dawid de Wee, the president of the Khoi Aboriginal Party, stated that the community members have approached both the national and provincial governments seeking assistance with essential services. However, he noted that little progress has been made on their end.

De Wee mentioned that crime rates were minimal. The residents were initiating a neighborhood watch program in collaboration with the Grabouw Community Police Forum (CPF).

Resident Mortimer Beckett stated that the government labeled the individuals occupying Knoflokskraal as "land invaders." However, he argues that they should be called "land reclaimers," asserting, "This is our land. History supports this claim."

"Since I arrived, the community has managed to be self-sufficient," stated Beckett.

However, the absence of sewage systems and garbage collection could turn into "a major issue" and potentially lead to a health emergency, he warned.

"The growth of our community is hindered due to the lack of water. Although we could transform this place into an oasis, currently it resembles a desert," he stated.

Mabaso stated that the department was "considering every possible option."

"No individual has the right to occupy state property illlegally," he said. He said DPWI continued to provide security at the property. "However this has been inadequate to stop further occupations and is being re-looked at in terms of our broader view of the illegal occupations."

He stated that meanwhile, the containment order remains in effect.

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