Who decides
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (Mpumalanga) receives and decides excision of agricultural holdings matters for land around Middelburg. It forms part of the Nkangala District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| District | Nkangala |
Local requirements
The aim of excision of agricultural holdings is to excise a holding from an agricultural holdings register so urban rights can apply. Common situations in Mpumalanga towns such as Middelburg include: you own an agricultural holding on the urban edge and want urban rights.
Areas covered by Steve Tshwete Local Municipality include Middelburg. Neighbouring municipalities in the Nkangala District, such as Dr JS Moroka, Emakhazeni, Emalahleni, Thembisile Hani, Victor Khanye, are separate planning authorities with their own by-laws and schemes, so the correct municipality must be confirmed from the property's location.
Under SPLUMA (2013) and Steve Tshwete Local Municipality's planning by-law, matters are categorised and decided either by an authorised official or by the Municipal Planning Tribunal. Objectors and applicants may appeal to the appeal authority. Fees, documents and timeframes are set by Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
When you may need it
- You own an agricultural holding on the urban edge and want urban rights
The broad process
- Feasibility
- Application
- Evaluation and decision
- Registration
Documents commonly required
- Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry)
- Surveyor-General diagram or general plan
- Zoning certificate or current land-use information
- Power of attorney and owner consent where applicable
What affects cost
- Professional planning fees for preparation and motivation
- Municipal application fees set by the relevant municipality
- Advertising and notice costs where public participation is required
- Specialist reports (for example traffic, engineering services or environmental)
- Survey and conveyancing fees
Professional fees, municipal application fees, advertising and specialist costs are quoted separately for each matter. Timeframes depend on completeness, objections, specialist work and municipal processing.
Questions
Which municipality handles excision of agricultural holdings in Middelburg?
Steve Tshwete Local Municipality in Mpumalanga is the planning authority for Middelburg. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the Nkangala District Municipality decide excision of agricultural holdings applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as Steve Tshwete Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with excision of agricultural holdings in Middelburg?
Useful starting points are: Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry); Surveyor-General diagram or general plan; Zoning certificate or current land-use information. Title deed conditions, servitudes and previous approvals should also be checked.