South African Minister seeks court order to halt Knoflokskraal expansion

South African Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has filed an application with the Western Cape High Court to prevent the further expansion of the Knoflokskraal settlement in the Elgin Valley, Grabouw.

Knoflokskraal is a self-proclaimed Khoisan settlement that has grown significantly since its initial occupation in 2020. Spanning nearly 2,000 hectares, the site now houses thousands of people and includes various commercial activities such as farming, restaurants, and tuckshops. While original occupants cited the reclamation of indigenous rights, the department reports that attempts to engage with settlement leaders have failed.

The legal application seeks a containment order to stop unlawful occupation, the construction of new houses, and the entry of building materials. Furthermore, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) cited whistleblower reports alleging that criminal syndicates are engaged in the illegal commercial subdivision and sale of state land within the settlement.