Royal row erupts over Pretoria land claim

A war over a multibillion-rand land claim by the royal family of the Kekana clan, which says it is the rightful owner of some of Pretoria's wealthiest areas, is brewing.

The claim has led to property owners in the areas sought by the Kekana to notify the authorities about the sale or development of their land.

This was confirmed by a source within the Land Claims Commission.

Shikwane Kekana, chairman of the Kekana royal family, said the clan lodged its claim in 1990 and was not prepared to negotiate "frivolous claims".

He said the clan's claim stretched from Rust de Winter to Silverton, which is also included in a new claim by Victor Lekhuleni, of the Bakgatla ba Lekhuleni clan.

But infighting threatens to split the Lekhuleni royal family.

Objections to Victor Lekhuleni's claim were raised by other royal families in the clan, who questioned his right to the chieftaincy.

Farms, shopping complexes, luxury housing estates, diplomatic properties and scientific and industrial areas are included in the 25000ha claim in the capital's eastern suburbs.

On Saturday, the Land Claims Commission ordered property owners to notify it before selling.

Failure to do so could lead to owners and developers being ordered to halt developments or sales.

Cindy Benyane, the Gauteng Land Claims Commission's chief director, said the commission was not preventing people from selling or developing their land.

"Legally, owners whose property is the subject of a claim have to notify the commission within one month if they intend to do something to it, regardless of whether they're selling it, building a swimming pool, or subdividing or donating it," Benyane said.

Piet van der Watt, who is part of the Lands Claim 2 Committee set up to fight the land claim and whose Derdepoort shopping centre is affected by it, said the commission's instructions would have a detrimental effect.

"Already property developers and banks are holding back on multimillion-rand developments."