Illegal land occupation has become one of the most contentious issues facing the Maruleng Local Municipality, with residents, landowners, conservation groups, water users and civic organisations warning that the problem is placing increasing pressure on public services, environmental resources and local governance.
The issue first gained widespread attention through the informal settlement known as Plastic View, situated in the heart of Hoedspruit. What began as a relatively small settlement expanded steadily over the years, becoming a symbol of the complex challenges surrounding housing shortages, migration to the area, municipal planning and the enforcement of land-use laws.
In November 2024, the Hoedspruit Concerned Ratepayers Association (HCRPA) approached the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane seeking relief regarding the unlawful occupation of the property occupied by Plastic View. In its application, the association highlighted what it described as a serious fire risk posed by the densely packed informal structures.
Those concerns were realised when a fire, reportedly started during an arson incident on 7th November 2025, spread rapidly through the settlement and destroyed most of the structures. Critics argue that despite repeated requests from various stakeholders, the municipality declined to declare a local disaster or emergency, a step that could have unlocked state funding and temporary emergency accommodation for displaced residents.
The consequences of the fire continue to be felt. While many former occupants dispersed to other areas, the issue remains unresolved, with the former market stalls in Buffel Street subsequently becoming occupied by informal residents.
It has been alleged that a significant portion of the current occupants are unemployed, raising questions about whether the occupation is linked primarily to employment opportunities in Hoedspruit. Residents have also raised concerns regarding the management of the site and have called on the municipality to provide clarity on whether rents, fees or other payments are being collected from occupants, and if so, by whom and under what authority.
Ratepayers are privately funding weekly cleanups of the affected areas whilst authorities look the other way.
New Hotspots Emerging
A growing number of informal trading stalls and shack structures have appeared within the road reserve of the R527 at Jonkmanspruit, near the bridge crossing the Blyde River. Local organisations describe the situation as both a humanitarian and environmental disaster.
According to stakeholders, repeated requests by the Hoedspruit Farm Watch, Blyde River Water Users Association, SAPS, SANRAL and the HCRPA for intervention have yielded little action. Community leaders claim that undertakings were previously made to remove illegal structures from the road reserve, but that little progress has been visible on the ground.
Trying to Find a Solution
On 20 March 2026, representatives of the HCRPA met with officials from the Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) and SANRAL to discuss the growing occupation of the R527 road reserve at Jonkmanspruit and in Hoedspruit. As the road reserve falls under SANRAL’s jurisdiction, all parties acknowledged the need for a coordinated approach to address the situation.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the eight traders operating from the market stalls in Buffel Street, Hoedspruit, would be relocated and that structures erected within the road reserve would be removed. Municipal officials advised that the affected traders had already been notified of the proposed relocation.
In an effort to support the process, an HCRPA representative offered to fund gas stoves for the relocated traders to reduce fire risks associated with open-flame cooking and offered to provide a ticket office for the Great North Bus Company to improve facilities for commuters.
However, progress appears to have stalled. At a subsequent follow-up meeting, from which the HCRPA was excluded (after having been invited), SANRAL was reportedly informed that the Maruleng Local Municipality “does not want to ask SANRAL consent to approach the site.”
The meaning and implications of this statement remain unclear, but stakeholders have questioned whether it reflects a reluctance by the municipality to become actively involved in resolving the issue. As a result, concerns remain that the occupation of the road reserve will continue to expand, despite earlier commitments made by the various parties.
Community organisations maintain that a practical solution remains possible if all stakeholders work together. They argue that lawful relocation of traders, protection of the road reserve, improved public transport facilities and the provision of alternative trading opportunities could address both the humanitarian needs of those affected and the legal and safety concerns associated with the current occupation.
Pressure on Services and Infrastructure
Residents argue that unmanaged land occupation is adding further strain to municipal infrastructure that is already under pressure.
The Hoedspruit area has experienced significant challenges relating to water supply, sanitation and other essential services. Recent development restrictions and building moratoriums have highlighted the limitations of existing infrastructure capacity.
Critics contend that the failure to promptly address unlawful occupation has contributed to the growth of settlements that lack formal planning approval, environmental authorisation and adequate service provision. They warn that continued expansion could undermine future development planning and increase costs for ratepayers.
A Complex Humanitarian Challenge
While many residents support stronger enforcement of land-use laws, others point to the underlying socio-economic realities driving the occupation of land.
Hoedspruit has experienced substantial population growth in recent years, fuelled by employment opportunities in tourism, conservation, agriculture and related industries. However, the supply of affordable housing has not kept pace with demand, leaving many workers and job seekers with limited accommodation options.
South African Law seeks to balance these competing interests. The Constitution protects the right to access housing, while the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act regulates the removal of unlawful occupiers. Evictions may only take place through a court process after consideration of the circumstances of those affected.
Municipalities are therefore required to protect public land, enforce planning laws and manage service delivery while also respecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable residents.
Housing Responsibility Under Scrutiny
The housing debate has also highlighted questions around government responsibilities.
While municipalities play a role in planning and facilitating development, the provision of subsidised housing falls primarily under the authority of the Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
The provincial authorities have so far not indicated any interest in assisting the local municipality to provide a long-term solution.
Community representatives note that many former Plastic View residents registered for housing assistance as far back as 2021 but remain without permanent solutions. At the same time, concerns have been raised about the municipality’s continued promotion of a proposed “affordable housing” development on a site that has reportedly failed three successive applications for environmental authorisation.
Finding a Way Forward
Community organisations, business leaders and residents are increasingly calling for a coordinated response that addresses both enforcement and housing provision.
They argue that illegal land occupation cannot simply be viewed as either a law-enforcement issue or a housing issue. Without effective action to protect public land, coupled with realistic plans to provide lawful and sustainable housing opportunities, Hoedspruit risks becoming trapped in a cycle of informal settlement growth, infrastructure overload and social tension.
As the town continues to attract investment, tourism and new residents, many believe that resolving the land occupation crisis will be critical to securing Hoedspruit’s future as one of Limpopo’s fastest-growing economic centres.
For now, residents, businesses and civic organisations continue to wait for decisive action from the relevant authorities before the problem grows even larger.
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