Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estelle Noordman and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached picture here.
The DA in the Free State is concerned that the Speaker of the Kopanong Local Municipality has reportedly occupied a provincial government property in Fauresmith for several years without paying rent, owing the provincial government over R1.1 million.
The property, located in Voortrekker Street, Fauresmith, within the Kopanong Local Municipality, is registered in the name of the Free State Provincial Government.
In response to a written legislative question submitted (see here and here) by DA MPL Werner Pretorius to the Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Dibolelo Mance, it was confirmed that the property is a residential unit that was intended to be sold to the current occupant, Mr M.J. Moitse, who is the Speaker of the almost bankrupt Kopanong Local Municipality.
However, according to the official reply received on 23 September 2025, the occupant failed to meet the conditions of the purchase agreement. The matter was subsequently referred to the department’s Legal Services for possible eviction proceedings.
This case, and others in the province, raise serious questions about the management and oversight of provincial government properties by the Free State Department of Public Works.
Transparency and accountability in the management of state assets are critical, particularly in smaller towns where unused or poorly managed government properties can place an unnecessary burden on communities and local municipalities.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has indicated that his department is prioritising audits of state-owned properties to ensure that government assets are properly managed and that any irregular occupation or misuse is addressed. The DA welcomes this step by the Minister.
This matter further highlights the importance of such an audit to determine the full extent of unpaid rental, whether proper procedures were followed, and what steps will be taken to recover money owed to the state, ultimately at the expense of residents of the Free State, because this property could have been put to better use.
We will closely monitor this matter to ensure that the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure takes the necessary steps to resolve the situation, safeguard state assets, and manage government properties responsibly in the best interests of the people of the Free State.
The DA remains committed to holding the provincial government accountable and ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and in the best interest of residents.