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) strongly condemns the ANC-governed Tokologo Local Municipality for its blatant disregard of legal obligations, failure to act on a court order regarding land invasions, and its gross mismanagement of public funds in relation to the Extension 30 sites.
In June 2024, the Tokologo Local Municipality obtained an order from the Free State Division of the High Court to halt illegal land invasions in Boshof. The court mandated the immediate removal of unlawful structures and the eviction of illegal occupants. However, over a year later, the municipality has failed to enforce this order, allowing the illegal housing to proliferate. This inaction not only places the municipality in contempt of court but also constitutes wasteful expenditure, as thousands of rands were spent on legal fees without any follow-through. The growing number of illegal structures poses significant risks to public safety, hygiene, and the security of nearby businesses and farms.
Furthermore, the municipality has failed to comply with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) regulations regarding the Extension 30 sites. Despite inquiries from concerned residents and DA representatives, the municipality has not provided evidence of proper rezoning, public participation, or registration of the land in the deeds office. The contractor responsible for the rezoning process has gone into insolvency, leaving the project in limbo with no further steps taken to resolve the situation. This negligence has deprived residents of their rightful title deeds and access to essential services, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
Adding insult to injury, the municipality has allegedly engaged in financial malfeasance by collecting R7,500 from residents for sites that were later retracted without refunding the payments. This alleged unethical behaviour is a betrayal of public trust and a clear indication of the ANC-led municipality’s failure to prioritise the needs of its constituents.
The DA will not stand idly by while the ANC uses these issues as a political tool to manipulate electoral outcomes. We will continue to hold the municipal leadership accountable, demand the repayment of the alleged misappropriated funds, and ensure that the court order is enforced. The DA will escalate this matter in both the Provincial Legislature and Parliament and pursue further investigations to protect the rights and interests of Boshof residents.