Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL, and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tokologo has written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, calling for urgent intervention following ANC Ward 1 Councillor Tebogo Tebang’s reckless incitement of illegal land grabs in Tshwaraganang, Dealesville.
On 7 March 2024, Councillor Tebang posted on his official Facebook account, which he uses to communicate with the community, that the site development project in Smanga Park was 92% complete. He committed to convening a meeting before 31 March 2024 to assist in allocating sites to the rightful beneficiaries.
However, when a community member asked what should happen if sites were not assigned by that date, Councillor Tebang responded, “Anyone who wants a site must go and grab the land as they wish.”
This reckless statement, made by a public representative entrusted with upholding the law of the country, constitutes a direct incitement to lawlessness. Eighteen months later, on 7 September 2025, community members acted on this call.
This resulted in widespread illegal land occupation. This is not merely a breakdown of order; it is an act of anarchy, the highest form of societal disorder, and a betrayal of the principles of democratic governance in our lifetime.
In response, the DA has formally written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Human Settlements, calling for urgent intervention to:
- Protect rightful beneficiaries who have been displaced or sidelined by the unlawful occupation of land by opportunistic and criminal elements;
- Ensure transparent and lawful allocation of sites and RDP houses to the deserving beneficiaries and not in line with political party affiliation;
- Investigate Councillor Tebang’s conduct and pursue appropriate disciplinary or legal action due to breach of the Councillor’s Code of Conduct and failure on his part to uphold his fiduciary duty to act with skill and care;
- Restore order and prevent further criminality in Smanga Park.
The DA remains committed to defending the rule of law. We will at all times safeguard the rights of vulnerable residents and ensure that housing allocations are conducted with integrity and fairness.
Political opportunism must never override justice and accountability, while housing cannot be used as an electioneering tool.