Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Lucas Xaba and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Estie Senekal.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng will write to the Municipal Manager, the Director: Human Settlements, and the Executive Mayor to secure urgent intervention, clear communication, and a transparent relocation plan for families living at Mary-Ann Plots. The continued failure of the ANC-led Municipality to communicate effectively with affected residents has created uncertainty, prolonged unsafe living conditions, and left many families without clarity about their housing future.
Following an oversight visit to the Mary-Ann Plots, it became evident that the number of families residing in the area continues to increase. While the municipality has previously allocated sites to some residents who occupied the area before 2016, many qualifying families have still not received sites. Others who have been allocated sites remain uncertain about their property locations due to a lack of engagement and communication from the Human Settlements Department.
During our oversight inspection, the DA observed the following:
- The number of informal structures has increased significantly.
- Many residents are unaware of the process required to qualify for and access municipal residential sites.
- The continued occupation of the area by undocumented foreign nationals requires urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
- Local farmers continue to report livestock theft, further alarming surrounding communities.
At a community meeting held on 28 June 2026, members of the Section 80 Human Settlements Committee explained the legal process for qualifying for municipal sites and highlighted the serious risks associated with occupying or building on privately owned land.
Mary-Ann Plots is situated on privately owned land belonging to SANRAL. Residents occupying the land remain vulnerable to possible legal action by the landowner. This makes it imperative that the municipality urgently develops and communicates a clear relocation and human settlements plan for all affected families.
Residents also expressed deep disappointment that their ward councillor has allegedly not visited the community since the 2021 local government elections. They indicated that they feel abandoned and excluded from important municipal communication regarding their future.
The DA believes that every resident deserves dignity, transparent communication and fair access to housing opportunities. Municipal officials have a responsibility to engage openly with communities and ensure that residents understand the processes affecting their lives.
We will continue to monitor this matter closely and hold the ANC-led municipality accountable until practical solutions are delivered for the families living at Mary-Ann Plots.
Only a DA-led local government can deliver accountable, transparent and caring governance that puts residents first.