From Reuters

To the squatters marking it up this week with sticks, rocks and strips of plastic, ‘Malema Valley’ is a little slice of South Africa they want to call home.

To many others, including the government, the derelict land on Pretoria’s outskirts handed out by supporters of opposition firebrand Julius Malema is the thin end of a land-grab wedge that could ultimately derail Africa’s most advanced economy.

Few South Africans have forgotten the economic catastrophe that unfolded in neighboring Zimbabwe from 2000 when liberation war veterans – with initial acquiescence and then encouragement from President Robert Mugabe – invaded white-owned farms.

For the moment, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is holding the line, sending riot police to clear the land, owned by Pretoria city council, and dismantle the shacks springing up on makeshift 12m x 12m plots.

Written by Ed Cropley/Read more at Reuters