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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality strongly condemns the illegal land grabs taking place in the N8 Park area and the open space behind the Botshabelo Industrial area.

Residents have occupied the N8 Park area and, in an effort to obtain basic services, have resorted to making donations for water infrastructure. Similarly, the open space behind the Botshabelo Industrial area is also being occupied illegally. The residents have requested the mayor's clarification on the land issue, but it is concerning that ANC Mayor and councillors, including Ward 30 Councillor Teboho Tukula, are allegedly using this situation to buy votes ahead of the upcoming by-elections. Please see pictures here, here, hereand here.

This is part of an ongoing strategy by the ANC to buy votes with examples of opening a long-overdue Public Library in Vanstadensrus, handing out title deeds in Ward 29, but not during the other years of ANC neglect and finally responding to sewage spillages forgotten for years.

Regardless of any response or feedback provided, the residents have stated that they will not be removed from the occupied land. It is important to note that the occupation is taking place on a sports ground in the H section, where an annual tournament hosted by Lesedi FM presenter Nyakallo Leine, also known as Ba2gada, contributes to the local economy of Botshabelo.

The DA firmly believes that these land grabs and alleged attempts to bribe voters are unacceptable and undermine the democratic process. We call on the ANC-led municipality to address these issues promptly and uphold the rule of law.

Issued by Lebohang Mohlamme - DA Councillor Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality