Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Igor Scheurkogel and Sesotho soundbite Cllr Mahalia Kose. See attached documents here and here.
During an oversight visit in Hoopstad, Tswelopele Local Municipality, the Democratic Alliance (DA) discovered that Mayor Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi is occupying a provincial government house and falsely claiming ownership.
In response to these claims, the DA promptly contacted the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The department confirmed in writing that the property, Erf. 355, Hoopstad Extension 3, remains under the administration of the Free State Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport. Official title deeds and ownership certificates verify that Mayor Phukuntsi does not own the house.
It is unacceptable that while Tswelopele residents suffer from poor services, the Mayor is misusing public property and altering it without approval.
In Hoopstad, water is turned off daily at noon due to a lack of supply. In Bultfontein, roads are crumbling, making daily travel unsafe. Sewage continues to spill into the Vet River, causing environmental and health hazards.
Mayor Phukuntsi is misusing state assets for personal gain instead of addressing community crises.
The DA will:
- Submit a PAIA request to establish how Mayor Phukuntsi was able to occupy this house without departmental approval.
- Approach the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate the unlawful occupation and misuse of provincial government property.
- Demand full accountability from both the Tswelopele Municipality and the Free State Provincial Department of Public Works.
The DA will not allow public assets to be abused while communities suffer. We will expose corruption, fight for accountability, and stand up for residents who have been failed by ANC mismanagement.