By Matshidiso Selebeleng

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has accused the Executive Mayor of misleading the public during an interview on Lesedi FM on Tuesday, March 24. 

The party says the mayor incorrectly claimed that the DA had taken him to court to stop the allocation of residential sites to Mangaung residents.

“The Executive Mayor told listeners that the DA has taken him to court to stop him from allocating residential sites in Brandkop (near Lourierpark), Sepane (near Botshabelo), an unnamed area near Thaba Nchu, and another near Grootvlei Prison,” the party said in a statement.

However, the DA insists this is not true, adding that there is no court interdict preventing the Mangaung Metro from developing land in Sepane, Grootvlei or Thaba Nchu.

The party argues that the mayor is using public platforms to spread misinformation to mask what it describes as a municipality in financial and administrative decline.

It clarified that legal action related to Brandkop is a separate matter, linked to land preparation carried out without complying with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and other legal requirements.

The DA says the mayor’s remarks are an attempt to deflect from failures in adhering to spatial planning laws and delivering dignified services and adequate housing.

“The DA has consistently supported the urgent need to provide land to qualifying beneficiaries. However, our position is clear: land must be allocated in a manner that restores dignity, promotes sustainable human settlements and complies with basic standards of human habitation,” the party said.

The party has called on the Executive Mayor to stop spreading misinformation and instead prioritise the provision of serviced stands that meet residents’ basic needs.