Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Louise Verwey and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State has failed to answer critical questions. It remains vague, despite repeated DA concerns, that the Mayor of Tswelopele Local Municipality, Ms Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi, continues to occupy state-owned property illegally.
This follows enquiries from Hoopstad community members about the ownership of 4 Cooper Street, Hoopstad. In September 2025, it was confirmed that the property (Erf 355, Hoopstad) is registered in the name of the Free State Provincial Government and vested in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Despite this, the mayor has occupied the house since 2014 and has made alterations and extensions to the property.
DA councillors formally tabled the matter at a Tswelopele Municipal Council meeting in October 2025. The ANC-run council dismissed the issue, claiming it was not a municipal matter and should be dealt with at the provincial level, effectively shielding the mayor from scrutiny.
As a result, DA Member of Parliament Dr Igor Scheurkogel wrote to the Free State Provincial Government seeking clarity on the property’s ownership and lawful occupation. In response, the Acting Head of the Department, Mr S.B. Motolo, confirmed in writing that the house remains registered under the Free State Provincial Government; that in December 2014 the Department decided to dispose of five vacant houses via open tender, including this property, but physical verification revealed the houses were already occupied, with the property in question occupied by Ms Phukuntsi; and that the Department is currently identifying and verifying all provincially owned properties to determine an appropriate disposal method.
While the Department outlined the chronology, it failed to answer key questions regarding the legality of the mayor’s occupation, whether any lease, purchase agreement, or approval exists, and whether preferential treatment was granted.
This matter highlights how the ANC protects its political elites while undermining accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. In a province facing severe housing shortages, the perception that politically connected individuals can unlawfully occupy and later acquire state property erodes public trust.
The DA reiterates that no one is above the law. In the absence of apparent legislative authority, Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP will refer the matter to the Public Protector and the Hawks for investigation into possible breaches of the Public Finance Management Act and related legislation.
South Africans deserve ethical leadership, equal application of the law, and transparent governance, not political protectionism.