Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Lucas Xaba.
The issue of residents unlawfully occupying land in Vogelfontein has come to light after nearly two years, following a Free State High Court order directing the Dihlabeng Local Municipality to evict these individuals.
The lack of a proactive plan from the administration to allocate sites to residents exacerbates the challenge when incidents of land invasion occur. The municipality, under ANC leadership, has consistently disregarded advice and input from opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA) recommended that residents be allocated sites, with those in need of RDP houses applying separately. Despite efforts to remove illegal occupants from sites in Vogelfontein Ext. 5, a new informal settlement has emerged adjacent to Vogelfontein.
The lack of response from the ANC-led municipality appears to be a political manoeuvre considering the upcoming elections, as residents have expressed their reluctance to vote ANC while residing in informal settlements lacking basic infrastructure such as roads, taps, and toilets.
We have questioned the council, through the Speaker, about the municipality’s ability to implement the court order. Historical precedent suggests that the ruling party, the ANC, is hesitant to conflict with communities as elections approach.
DA councillors in Dihlabeng will diligently monitor progress to ensure that residents receive the services they rightfully deserve without harassment. We urge our communities to support the DA on 29 May 2024, to vote out the incompetent and corrupt ANC government.