Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dulandi Leech MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL with reply from the MEC here
The Democratic Alliance will demand clarity and accountability from the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure after the MEC confirmed that former Tswelopele Executive Mayor Ms Kenalemang Phukuntsi is still occupying a government-owned residence in Hoopstad, despite her removal from office following a unanimous decision by Council on 2 July 2026.
The MEC’s response to questions from the DA raises more questions than it answers. While confirming that Ms Phukuntsi remains in the property, the MEC could not provide a clear explanation of the authority under which she continues to occupy the residence, stating only that she was not occupying it by virtue of her position as Mayor.
The MEC further confirmed that the Department is still in the process of “regularising” the occupation. If the Department is only now regularising the occupation, the question must be asked why the matter was not addressed sooner and whether the occupation is currently compliant with all applicable legislation, policies and departmental regulations.
Thousands of people across the Free State remain on housing waiting lists, making the continued occupation of a government-owned residence particularly concerning. Yet ANC cadres continue to benefit from public resources while ordinary voters are left waiting for homes of their own. Public assets must serve the people who fund them, not become privileges that entitled individuals can continue to enjoy. Our DA LGE 2016 Manifesto is clear on this: Public assets must be managed transparently, lawfully and in the interests of the people they are meant to serve.
Government properties belong to the people, not entitled individuals. The DA will continue pressing the MEC for answers and demand that all government-owned assets are managed responsibly, transparently and lawfully.