Tshwane Mayor Needs to Provide Clarity on Reclassification of Agricultural Smallholdings

During the latest Tshwane Metro Council meeting, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) asked the Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, to provide clarity on the reclassification of smallholdings from agricultural to residential land.

Information provided by residents indicates that several smallholdings have been reclassified as residential without consultation. This decision has far-reaching financial, procedural and legal implications for landowners and the Metro itself.

So, the Freedom Front Plus directed a series of questions at Mayor Moya, including:

• How many smallholdings have been reclassified from “agricultural” to “residential” in the current valuation cycle?
• What criteria were used to reclassify bona fide agricultural smallholdings?
• What is the total financial impact on the affected owners, individually and collectively?
• Were physical inspections conducted prior to reclassification, and by whom?
• Apart from the statutory process whereby objections may be lodged against the valuation roll, were landowners consulted in any way?

The Freedom Front Plus also enquired why the administration failed to respond to a PAIA application submitted by the party’s councillor, Nick Pascoe, on 6 June 2025.

The application seeks access to documentation relating to the reclassification process.

If the Metro does not intend to disclose the requested information, valid reasons need to be provided.

The party calls on the Metro to ensure absolute transparency.

This is not merely a technical adjustment as it affects livelihoods, land-use rights and the sustainability of small-scale agricultural operations.

The administration’s silence on the matter is unacceptable.

The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close watch to ensure that affected residents receive the answers, and accountability, they deserve.

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