Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance in Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP) will raise questions to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Teboho Mokoena, in the Provincial Legislature regarding the legitimacy and potential repercussions of an incomplete item proposing the leasing of land parcels in the Kestell and Harrismith areas, which was pushed through Council despite concerns raised by various opposition parties.
The item claimed that leasing the land would benefit the agricultural community and enhance revenue for the municipality. However, it proposes a one-year payment relief period on tariffs that are already far below the national average. Furthermore, the item was vague, incomplete and flawed, while attempted explanations from the Human Settlements Department only raised further concerns.
Of particular concern are proposed payouts to tenants who have built on the land, despite their contracts stating that structural alterations will not be compensated for.
MaP Municipality is already known for its challenges in effectively managing its own assets, and the DA is concerned that this proposal could add to those list of problems.
Residents are repeatedly subjected to poor management of municipal land and assets, which can undermine revenue generation and the municipality’s ability to deliver services to communities.
The DA rejected the item and called for a division of the House, which was denied. The DA believes the manner in which the item was pushed through raises questions about whether it is being used for political purposes ahead of the election.
The DA will pursue these concerns in the Provincial Legislature. Council is the highest decision-making body in local government, not any political party.