Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL with images here, here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally written to the MEC of Human Settlements, Mr Teboho Mokoena, following an alert received on the 12th of September about a land invasion in Ward 1, Tshwaraganang Dealesville. The ANC-led administration’s failure to make land and housing available for over 15 years has forced these individuals to illegally occupy this land.
While the DA stands in solidarity with these vulnerable and desperate individuals, invasion of land whether municipal or private is illegal and we cannot condone illegal land occupations or invasions. It is unconscionable that their pleas go unheard, their dignity trampled upon, and their integrity questioned.
Every election brings forth a familiar charade where sites are marked and promises made, only to be broken once the votes are cast. Last year’s election was no exception. In a Facebook post, ANC Cllr Tobogo Tebang, proclaimed that a housing project was at 92% completion and would reach 98% by the end of March 2024. The promise of 400 housing sites proved hollow, with the community meeting never materialising, and the people of Tshwaraganang being used as pawns for political gain.
Two wrongs do not make a right. This ongoing land crisis transcends the borders of Tshwaraganang, Dealesville and Tokologo Local Municipality: it is a grim reality affecting communities across the Free State, all stemming from the negligence, corruption, and incompetence of the ANC-governed municipalities.
Shockingly, millions in conditional infrastructure and settlement grants go unused each year and are returned to the National Treasury, leaving deserving beneficiaries without shelter, frozen in limbo without the prospect of legally obtaining land to build homes that secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.
We recognize the urgent necessity of legal land redistribution and the need for quality housing for all applicants. We empathize with their frustrations and will tirelessly advocate for the expedited processing of their applications, seeking a humane and viable resolution for the people of Tshwaraganang Dealesville.