By Pfumelani Tsedu
From left: Mr Matome Ambros Molokomme (son of farm recipient), Acting Chief Director PSSC Limpopo Mr Melton Tshilillo, Ms Sarah Molokomme (head recipient), Mr Mmolawa Phineas Molokomme (son), and Ms Sello Anna Molokomme (daughter. ) This was during the handover of the key to the farm from the Acting Chief Director Mr Tshililo.
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development in Limpopo has handed over the title deed of a newly acquired farm to members of a female-headed household, granting them full ownership and secure occupation of land purchased specifically to protect their land rights.
This decisive action was taken in response to the urgent plea of Ms Sarah Matlala Molokomme, who had been subjected to persistent eviction threats from privately owned farmland. The intervention marks a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to secure permanent land tenure for vulnerable rural families.
During Women’s Month, Ms. Molokomme was flanked by a group of ululating women as she approached the tent where the ceremony was held. Her joy was evident, reflected both in her radiant expression and her pure white attire. At 74 years old, Ms. Molokomme had lived for over a decade on farmland in Alldays, under the Blouberg Local Municipality in the Capricorn District, along with her four children and grandchildren. Over the years, the family endured increasing violations of their land rights, including threats of eviction and the disconnection of essential services such as water, as the farm was privately owned.
As the threats escalated, the family sought help from the Department. They informed officials of the owner's intention to sell the farm and relocate to another province. In response, the Department seized the opportunity and purchased the 171-hectare farm to secure permanent tenure for the family, as provided for under Section 4(1)(b) of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act 62 of 1997 (ESTA), as amended. This section guarantees tenure security as a right for occupiers, former occupiers, and other eligible persons under ESTA.
The property is now officially registered in the names of the Molokomme family members. The primary activity on the land is livestock farming, and it is intended to remain a farming property. In her words of appreciation, Ms. Molokomme thanked the government for making this possible:
“I thought they only listened to people with money. I was wrong. Old as I am, this day is beyond me.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Department’s officials for hearing her out despite her disadvantaged circumstances.
To date, the province has issued two title deeds of this nature during this financial year, the first being Portion 2 of Buffelsfontein 55 KR, an 8,5653-hectare farm in Melkrievier, Waterberg District handed over to Ms Sebolaeshi Letta Lekoto, an 81-year-old farm dweller with secure tenure after decades of living and working on the farm. The second being the very one handed to Ms Molokomme, namely Portion 8 of Evergreen 302 MS in Alldays, Capricorn District. The department is currently in preparation to handover the third one in the month of September 2025 in Waterberg District.
Second from left: Mr Matome Ambros Molokomme (son), Acting Chief Director PSSC Limpopo Mr Melton Tshilillo, Ms Sarah Molokomme (head recipient), Mr Mmolawa Phineas Molokomme (son), and Ms Sello Anna Molokomme (daughter), flanked by their Blouberg ward 18 Councillor Mr Moltlatso Mokami (left) and Ward Committee member Mr Shoni Sematla (right).
