Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English by Freddy Sonakile
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urgently written to the Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Cooperative Governance Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Kgalalelo Makgokgowa, to summon North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) CEO Mr. Sello Mogodiri, Premier Lazzy Mokgosi, and MEC for COGHSTA, Saliva Molapisi, to explain the disgraceful waste of public funds. (See attached letter here).
This after the highly publicised Mahikeng Student City Development’s so-called “launch” turned into yet another cruel disappointment, just like last year’s failed sod-turning event. (See pictures of both advertisements here and here).
Upon arrival, thousands of unemployed residents discovered that the project is allegedly entangled in a court battle over tribal land ownership, rendering any progress impossible.
Notably, the Traditional Council of Barolong Boora Tshidi was granted the relief sought in the first case with an eviction against NWHC, a decision that NWHC has since appealed. (See papers).
Despite knowing these legal constraints, NWHC shamelessly pressed ahead with an extravagant, fruitless event, complete with a marquee tent, catering, security, and even booking artists for entertainment, fully aware that the project was in legal limbo. When the entity’s CEO, Sello Mogodiri, arrived, he was confronted by members of the Traditional Council and forced to leave in haste. What followed was chaos: the marquee was hastily dismantled, food, some still uncooked, was taken by frustrated residents, and thousands left empty-handed once more. (See pictures here, here, and here).
This government’s reckless disregard for the most vulnerable must be accounted for. Premier Mokgosi as well as MEC Molapisi must also account for the legal costs incurred following the order granted to the Tribal Council. They must also account for the fruitless expenditure on these two failed events, where the unemployed were treated to concerts instead of real opportunities.
During our attendance at the supposed launch, we engaged with Kgosi White Modisenyane and some of the unemployed residents, who expressed deep anger and frustration at yet another betrayal by the ANC-led government. (See videos here, here, and here).
The DA will relentlessly pursue accountability on this matter. The ANC government must either deliver on its promises or admit its failure. The Premier must take a decisive stance on NWHC, which has repeatedly proven incapable of fulfilling its mandate. The people of North West deserve better than empty promises and political theatrics.