KARMA for the Afrikaner-only settlement of Kleinfontein

1 Views

The City of Tshwane is taking action against the Afrikaner-only settlement of Kleinfontein in the North East part of the Gauteng. Back in August 2024, a High Court ruling compelled the city to enforce appropriate property laws and rates after decades of inaction, reports The Citizen.

Much like the Akademia Afrikaner-only university, Kleinfontein wishes to only house Boere-Afrikaans residents. Although black labourers are reportedly permitted to enter for work purposes. However, when the Afrikaner-only settlement sprung up in 1990, no building plans were brought before council for approval. And there is no zoning for residential purposes.

AFRIKANER-ONLY SETTLEMENT

An old-school ice cream van is apparently a huge attraction in Kleinfontein. Image: Friends of Kleinfontein on Facebook

Situated in the small town of Rayton, the Afrikaner-only settlement was established at the end of Apartheid by members of the Boere-Vryhyeidsbeweging. It covers over 900 hectares of land and has as many as 600 homes for 1 500 residents. Founded with the intention of forming an all-Afrikaner homeland, the Afrikaner-only settlement draws obvious parallels with Orania in the Northern Cape. Through the Friends of Kleinfontein Facebook page you’ll see images of old-style Afrikaner flags, wildlife and pretty sunsets.

At the entrance are statues of former Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd and former President Paul Kruger. Moreover, it boasts an expanse of rugby fields, tennis courts, a large solar energy plant and independent wastewater system and water supply. However, for 35 years, all its properties have all been categorised as ‘agricultural’. Therefore, they are assessed at a quarter of the rate versus residential property. It’s understood that residents buy shares in a block scheme and have never had to pay property rates before.

BAD NEWS FOR RESIDENTS

However, categorisation for the Afrikaner-only settlement has finally changed. Punitive rates seven-times higher than the residential rates now apply due to non-compliance and contravention of town-planning laws. Moreover, a new recategorisation and valuation of Kleinfontein by the city, could eventually leave the community with a rates bill of more than R2 million per month. Currently residents of the Afrikaner-only settlement pay a R178 levy per month. However, new rates divided amongst the homes would climb to R3 500 each.

Nevertheless, residents have defended themselves saying they’ve received nothing from the City of Tshwane, nor do they want anything. As per its original intention to be recognised as a separate homeland, the company running Kleinfontein owns all the land and assigns portions of land to community members. However, over the years, it’s been said that disgruntled former residents have been inciting the municipality to take action.