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Court lets Public Works serve Knoflokskraal case by substituted service

Published

The Western Cape High Court granted the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure an order for substituted service of its main application over Knoflokskraal, a 2 000-hectare State-owned site in the Elgin Valley. Minister Dean Macpherson welcomed the order.

The department said its main application is expected to be heard by February next year. It was to submit the application on Monday, 19 October, after six months of preparation, investigations and engagements.

Knoflokskraal is made up of six State-owned farms. The land was reportedly occupied unlawfully in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is said to have grown to over 4 000 structures that house an estimated 15 000 to 20 000 people.

Macpherson said: "We will not allow unlawful occupation and the breakdown of the rule of law to go unaddressed." He also said restoring the rule of law begins with respect for the law and proper legal processes.

Key facts

Who
Dean Macpherson (Public Works and Infrastructure Minister); Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (Department bringing the court application over Knoflokskraal); Western Cape High Court (Court that granted the substituted service order)
What
The Western Cape High Court granted the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure an order authorising substituted service of its main court application on Knoflokskraal, a 2 000-hectare State-owned site in the Elgin Valley, and Minister Dean Macpherson welcomed the order. The department said its main application is expected to be heard by February next year.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Knoflokskraal, Elgin Valley, Grabouw
Status
Reported

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