Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL, and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
– ANC blatantly disregards the dignity of Mangaung’s people
– DA demands basic services.
– ANC continues sacrificing the well-being of communities for political gain.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking decisive steps to halt the ANC’s reckless and unlawful manipulation of vulnerable residents in Mangaung. We are intensifying our oversight and demanding immediate compliance with constitutional and environmental laws to protect both established communities and those being exploited by the ANC’s political games.
The DA is appalled by the ANC’s blatant disregard for the law and the dignity of Mangaung’s people. The recent land occupation and site-allocation debacle at Lourierpark is not merely a symptom of failed governance; it is a calculated abuse of the most vulnerable, who are used as pawns in a desperate bid to score political points.
The ANC’s actions have resulted in chaos, insecurity, and the erosion of basic human rights, as families are herded onto land without proper planning, infrastructure, or legal authorisation.
Our legal position is clear and unwavering. We have consistently demanded that all land development and site allocations comply with the law. This includes adherence to environmental regulations, transparent demarcation processes, and the provision of essential services before any relocation or occupation. The ANC’s disregard for these requirements is not only illegal but also exposes residents to hazardous conditions and strips them of their dignity.
We stand with the people of Mangaung, both those in established suburbs and those forced into precarious settlements. The DA recognises the pain and uncertainty inflicted on families who are promised homes but are left with only empty promises and political exploitation. We will not allow the ANC to continue sacrificing the well-being of our communities for short-term political gain.
The case now being brought by the Lourierpark neighbourhood association vindicates the DA’s principled court action. It proves beyond doubt that our fight was never about politics but about restoring dignity and lawful order for all, and about protecting the rights of the surrounding suburbs and the victims of ANC exploitation.
We call for an immediate halt to all unlawful relocations, a transparent and lawful allocation process, and urgent provision of basic services. The DA will continue to fight to ensure justice, dignity, and real solutions for every resident of Mangaung.