Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Johann Steenkamp and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
Another illegal land invasion has occurred in Tokologo Local Municipality, Boshof, Seretse. Last week, the community held an emergency meeting to assess the number of people in need of housing stands. Over the past weekend, some areas of the stands were marked, and the construction of informal housing has commenced. Please see pictures here, here, here and here.
According to a community member, residents are disillusioned by the empty promises of the ANC and are calling for decisive action. For over three years, promises have been made, yet tangible progress remains elusive. Developments in Hertzogville and Dealesville have also been sluggish, with infrastructure projects progressing at an inconsistent pace, leaving residents without essential services.
The demand for housing stands is pressing, and despite efforts by the DA and other political parties to address the issue in council meetings, little progress has been made. In 2020, 30 stands were developed in Boshof, and sold to residents, yet essential services such as water, electricity, and sewage remain unavailable. Residents are unable to obtain title deeds, hindering their ability to secure loans for home construction. The lack of proclamation has also led to confusion regarding the town’s boundaries and administrative status.
The Department of Human Settlements has failed to provide a comprehensive report on available rental housing, suggesting mismanagement and possible nepotism in property allocation. Maintenance of municipal properties has been neglected, exacerbating the community’s frustration.
In line with the DA’s election manifesto, we are committed to empowering South Africans through land ownership and improving post-settlement support. This includes strengthening provincial structures responsible for post-settlement support and establishing specialised units dedicated to pre- and post-settlement assistance. We will actively monitor the situation and urge the Department of Human Settlements to intervene and support the municipality in resolving these issues.