Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Greg van Noord and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Edwin Maliela.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality notes with serious concern the misleading and factually incorrect insinuation by the Executive Mayor that the DA has taken him to court to stop the allocation of residential sites to Mangaung residents.
In his interview at Lesedi FM on Tuesday, March 24, the Executive Mayor told listeners that the DA has taken him to court to stop him from allocating residential sites in the following places:
- Brandkop – (near Lourierpark)
- Sepane – (near Botshabelo)
- Unnamed place – (near Thaba Nchu)
- Unnamed place – (near Grootvlei prison)
The Mayor is using his platform to spread misinformation to cover for a municipality in financial and administrative collapse. Contrary to his claims, there is no court interdict preventing the Mangaung Metro from developing land in Sepane, Grootvlei, or Thaba Nchu.
The legal action regarding Brandkop is a distinct case arising from the preparation of the land without compliance with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and other legal requirements.
The Mayor’s attempt to paint a picture of a “wholesale blockade” is a transparent effort to deflect from his administration’s failure to comply with spatial planning laws and to provide dignified services and adequate housing.
The DA has consistently supported the urgent need to provide land to qualifying beneficiaries. However, our position is clear: land must be allocated in a manner that restores dignity, promotes sustainable human settlements and complies with basic standards of human habitation.
We advocate for the allocation of serviced land equipped with essential infrastructure, including water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and refuse removal. This ensures residents have the opportunity to build safe, healthy and dignified lives.
The relocation of people to land without adequate services undermines dignity and exposes communities to unacceptable living conditions, including health and safety risks, environmental hazards and social instability.
Providing land without adequate water, sanitation, and electricity is a violation of human dignity and a recipe for future disaster. The DA cannot support any initiative that perpetuates inequality under the guise of service delivery.
We call on the Executive Mayor to stop the spread of misinformation and prioritise serviced stands that meet residents’ basic needs.
The people of Mangaung deserve responsible leadership, transparent governance and solutions that improve their quality of life.
We remain committed to advancing policies that uphold dignity, equality and sustainable development for all residents of Mangaung.