Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Greg van Noord and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng.
– DA studying High Court judgment,
– Case focused on lawful and properly serviced housing,
– Commitment to the rule of law and sustainable housing.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes that the High Court today dismissed the DA’s application, which sought to ensure the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality follows the required legal and compliance prescripts for land preparation, site demarcation, service installation, and the placement of residents.
We will review the full Free State High Court order and reasons in the matter before deciding on next steps, guided by the facts, the law, and our commitment to dignity, adequate housing, proper planning, and basic service delivery in Mangaung.
The DA will carefully study the judgment and reserve all its rights and options. Any further action will be based on a proper assessment of the legal position, the facts before the Court, and the implications for residents, affected communities and future development in Mangaung.
This matter has never been about denying people access to housing. It is about ensuring that human settlement projects are lawful, properly planned, and supported by reliable basic services such as water, sanitation, roads, refuse removal and electricity. Housing without basic services does not restore dignity; it simply moves vulnerable residents from one hardship to another.
The DA remains firmly committed to upholding the rule of law while fighting for access to adequate housing that gives real meaning to human dignity.
Mangaung residents deserve housing solutions that are lawful, sustainable, and supported by infrastructure that allows communities to live safely and with dignity.