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In the Mantsopa Local Municipality Council, the ANC majority has made a troubling decision that threatens the progress of our community. They have reversed the council's earlier decision to provide temporary water and sanitation services for a planned housing development project in Extension 4, Ladybrand, citing financial constraints.

This housing project has been in the works since 2016, and plots in this area have already been sold under the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Projects (FLISP) banner. These sales signify the promise of brick-and-mortar houses being constructed in this development.

Under the governance of the ANC-led municipality and Mayor Mamsie Tsoene, priority has been given to illegally occupied land when it comes to supplying water and sanitation services. This has put the legitimate landowners of Extension 4 at a disadvantage, both financially and in terms of access to essential services. Despite a planned R7.2 million water infrastructure project for Extension 4 in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the ANC-majority council refused to support the DA's proposal to expedite this project, thereby delaying the provision of water supply to lawful landowners.

Just in June 2023, the council passed a resolution to grant temporary water and sanitation services to an illegally invaded tract of land in Tweespruit. Astonishingly, in the same meeting, the same rights were extended to the legal owners of Extension 4. However, the Mayor inexplicably retracted the June resolution to provide basic services to the legitimate landowners in Extension 4 while continuing to offer these services to the illegally invaded land.

This situation sends a clear message to illegal land invaders that the ANC prioritizes their demands over those of law-abiding citizens. This is not only unjust but also undermines the principles of fairness and legality that our society stands for.

The Democratic Alliance is committed to fighting for equal rights, respect, and dignity through the legal and organized distribution of land, which can accommodate the growing demand of all South Africans. We call on the ANC-led municipality to address these issues promptly and uphold the rule of law. It is our belief that adherence to the law is what will safeguard this country from the potential demise and collapse that the ANC's actions may lead to.

Issued by Tania Halse - DA Councillor Mantsopa Local Municipality