Windhoek moves to formalise Groot Aub farm leases
The City of Windhoek has begun engaging farmers in Groot Aub to formalise their occupation of agricultural land through lease agreements, following concerns over land allocations made before the farm was transferred to the municipality. During a meeting with farmers on Sunday, city officials explained the process of signing lease agreements, the documentation required and the steps that will be followed to determine lease payments.
The initiative forms part of the city’s broader efforts to integrate Groot Aub into Windhoek’s local authority structures and regulate land occupation in the area. Elia Shapopi, acting manager of the Peri-Urban and Satellite Suburbs Division, outlined the background to the process, explaining that Groot Aub fell under the administration of the Khomas Regional Council before Windhoek’s municipal boundaries were extended in 2011. Following the boundary extension, Groot Aub became part of the City of Windhoek’s jurisdiction, with ownership of Farm Groot Aub transferred to the city in 2017.
In 2020, the municipal council adopted an action plan for the integration of Groot Aub into Windhoek, which included addressing the occupation of municipal land by farmers, households, businesses and institutions.
According to the council resolution, the city is mandated to enter into agreements with all parties occupying municipal land in Groot Aub. Officials cautioned that land allocations made without the required regional council resolutions, including those facilitated by farmers’ associations, settlement committees, traditional authorities or other organisations, are not legally recognised under the resolution.
However, the city said the lease process is intended to help formalise land occupation. Farmers who already hold valid title deeds to their properties will not be affected by the provision concerning unrecognised allocations.
The city will physically inspect each farm portion to establish its boundaries and record geographical coordinates. Its geomatics division will then prepare diagrams showing the size and layout of the land, which will be attached to the lease agreements. The valuation division will subsequently assess the properties to determine their value, which will inform the lease payments. Nangolo Angriphine outlined the documentation required from individual farmers and companies seeking to enter into lease agreements with the city.
Individual applicants must submit certified copies of their identity documents and marriage certificates, where applicable. Married applicants may also be required to provide their spouses’ identification documents, depending on their property arrangements. Companies must provide certified registration documents, a resolution authorising the lease, a power of attorney appointing a representative to sign the agreement, and a certified copy of the nominated signatory’s identification document. The city also reiterated its policy of allowing only one land parcel per person to curb speculation and ensure that more people in need have access to secure land tenure.
Under the policy, individuals occupying multiple farm portions may have only one portion recognised through the process.
The formalisation initiative is expected to provide a clearer framework for land occupation in Groot Aub while enabling the city to manage municipal land in accordance with its regulations and council resolutions.
