11 Jul 2023

Ngwato Land Board recently fulfilled its promise to Mmashoro community, handing it a 6km by 6km ranch. 

The land board’s chairperson, Mr David Modisagape said the idea of a ranch was mooted in 2013 during consultations with the community, when it complained about lack of pastures. 

Mr Modisagape encouraged the community to optimally use the ranch to generate income. “Use this ranch gainfully for your own benefit. Elect a committee and engage the council to help you run it,” he said. 

Commenting on the recent Kweneng land board’s exercise to remove squatters, Mr Modisagape condemned people who illegally acquired land. 

He said the long arm of the law was coming for those engaged in such practice. 

“I promise you that the same exercise to abolish squatters will be carried out here,” he warned and encouraged people to follow appropriate land allocation processes. 

Serowe District Council (SDC) pledged its support to the community to help it develop ideas on how best to use the ranch. Council community development officer, Ms Vivian Lesupi thanked the land board for the ranch on behalf of the community. 

“We [shall] take it upon ourselves to ensure that any development that is going to be done on this land is of the highest standard,” she said. 

Paje sub land board chairperson, Mr Thapelo Dithebe informed residents that they would start land allocations July 25. 

“The notice of those who are due for allocation is out, check your names and familiarise yourselves with documents you are to present on the day,” he said. He added they were expecting to allocate about 400 plots. 

Kgosi Opelo Disang of Mmashoro thanked Ngwato Land Board for delivering on its promise. 

He said they would put the ranch to good use and work with the council to improve the livelihoods of his people The community was shown a map of the location of the ranch, which is located at Zone 7 ranches, commonly known as Metsibotlhoko. 

An arrangement to visit the ranch will be made after the community has elected a board of trustees. 

Ngwato land board had on the previous day handed over another ranch to Dimajwe community. ENDS