Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Maritza du Plessis
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised serious concerns following Council’s decision to continue pursuing further interventions in the long-running Orange Farm informal settlement matter, despite a clear High Court judgment, repeated legal advice against further opposition, and mounting legal costs already incurred by the Local Municipality of Madibeng.
This matter has dragged on for years, with the municipality already having incurred several adverse cost orders along the way. The DA cautions that continued legal escalation risks exposing the municipality, and by extension residents of Madibeng, to further unnecessary and avoidable financial losses.
During the recent Council sitting, the DA recorded its objection to the amended item, warning against any further litigation that lacks reasonable prospects of success.
Of particular concern is Council’s resolution to engage provincial and national Human Settlements authorities for further intervention, even though these departments were already cited as respondents in the original High Court application and were bound by the judgment delivered.
The DA notes that two separate legal opinions obtained by the municipality have already advised against continued legal opposition, concluding that there are insufficient prospects of success to justify an appeal and warning that further litigation could result in additional punitive cost orders.
Instead, the legal advice recommends that the municipality approach the Court for clarification on costs while simultaneously providing a clear update on steps taken, and still required, to comply with the court order, particularly in relation to temporary emergency accommodation and land identification for relocation purposes.
The court order already places clear obligations on the municipality to take reasonable steps to assist qualifying occupiers with emergency accommodation and to engage relevant organs of state regarding suitable land for relocation.
The DA believes the focus must now shift away from prolonged legal processes and towards practical, humane, and lawful implementation of existing court directives.
Residents of the affected informal settlement have endured years of unsafe and undignified living conditions, without access to adequate sanitation, security, or basic services. Continued delays in implementing solutions only prolong this hardship and deepen vulnerability.
Madibeng residents cannot continue to bear the financial consequences of extended litigation while affected families remain trapped in unacceptable conditions.
The DA will continue to call for responsible governance, strict adherence to court orders, and practical solutions that protect both the constitutional rights of residents and the financial sustainability of the municipality.