Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jacob Coetzee and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
In 2023, two incidents of illegal land occupation were reported by the Setsoto Local Municipality. The first incident occurred in the Ficksburg extent of Ficksburg Dorp Grond and Imperani Mountain, while the second took place in Clocolan, Vooruitzichts.
The municipality secured a court date for the Ficksburg case, incurring an expenditure of R462,679.91, with a pending payment of R123,740.00. The case was scheduled for court on 20 June 2024 after numerous postponements.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) noted with great concern the lack of progress in the Clocolan case. Upon questioning the council, it was revealed that an expenditure of R43,160.07 had been incurred without achieving the desired results. Mukhawana Attorneys, representing the municipality, lost the case on technical grounds. However, the municipality did not lodge a new application to the court after rectifying the locus standi, despite the Municipal Manager, Nomvula Malatjie, being informed of this in November 2023.
Following the DA’s inquiry, Malatjie responded that Phatshoane Henney Attorneys had recently been appointed to provide comprehensive details and assurance regarding the case’s prospects. The municipality now plans to lodge a High Court application for the interdict and eviction of all illegal occupants in Clocolan, Senekal, and Marquard, which will have significant financial implications.
The community of Clocolan has expressed frustration over the continued illegal land grabs, which have led to the expansion of an unauthorised suburb. Local businesses have lodged complaints about the negative impact on their operations, which seem to have been overlooked since November 2023.
Meanwhile, the illegal occupation continues, with certain political parties allegedly recognising and supporting the development of infrastructure, such as roads, to gain political advantage.
The DA will continue to monitor the progress of these cases. Additionally, we will urge the MPAC committee to investigate potential negligence and lack of oversight by the legal department and representation.