by: Councillor Luan Snyders, DA Councilor: Rustenburg Local Municipality
Yesterday, the Rustenburg Local Municipality, during a special virtual council meeting, accepted a donation of land from the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform.
The municipality should now fast track the development of housing and the allocation of formal stands to residents in need.
State owned property in prime locations should be identified and released to deserving applicants in line with spatial planning legislation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue to engage with the municipality to identify alternative and suitable land to earmark for development in order to address the housing backlog in Rustenburg.
There has been rising tension and sporadic violent protests from residents demanding housing and the formalisation of informal settlements.
Unfortunately, the Rusternburg local government has failed to proactively address housing and settlement issues within the municipality.
The DA rejects the utterances made by EFF Councillors who said they would mobilize people to occupy the donated land. The DA stands firm on the principle of the Rule of Law and cannot condone the encouragement of lawlessness that seeks to undermine it.
We will be writing to the Council Speaker, Shiela Mabale, asking her to institute disciplinary steps against the EFF councillor who made these utterances. We cannot condone land grabs on land meant for the development of the city. Encouraging any illegal activity is irresponsible, and the EFF, a registered political party, and it’s elected members have all taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, which apparently is at odds with its political agenda that seeks to undermine the Constitution as it sees fit.
The Executive Mayor, Mpho Khunou, also stated that the land closer to the central business district will be tipped for economic development. The Mayor must fast-track the delayed development that has been at a standstill for the past 10 years under his leadership.
The City of Rustenburg has great potential for investment and development which can grow the local economy, create jobs and also provide housing opportunities to thousands of citizens.
Media Enquiries:
Cllr Luan Snyders
DA Councillor: Rustenburg Local Municipality
064 659 0363
Idah Satikhe
DA North West Communications Officer 079 700 5382