The MEC for the department, Mxolisi Dukwana, and the provincial premier, Sisi Ntombela, were present during the handover of five houses at Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, and Dewetsdorp on Friday. The first stop they made was at Botshabelo to hand over two houses to two beneficiaries identified by the office. In a media statement, it is explained that these two fall under "Special Programmes". 

At Thaba Nchu, other two beneficiaries were identified. One is an elderly lady who will be celebrating her 100th birthday in the next few days. The other was an elderly man who lost his house in a fire. The last house was given to a resident from Dewetsdorp.

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There has previously been an exchange of views about who paid for the house that was handed over to a Bloemfontein resident. A house that allegedly cost R133 000 was handed over to Lerato Ntsaku and her family. The DA stated that they do not have a problem with the less privileged being assisted with getting houses. They had a problem with the perception that was passed around on social media that the ANC has bought the house for Ntsaku, although the Free State Provincial government allegedly paid for the house. 

The allegations that the ANC is passing off the house as if they bought it, were made by DA leader in the province, Roy Jankielson, as the house was handed over by Ntombela alongside the ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, during the launch of the ANC’s Letsema Campaign.

In reply to the allegations, the provincial government’s spokesperson, Sello Pietersen, stated Ntombela has never used state funds for anything apart from the mandate of the government. The Free State premier, Sisi Ntombela, has denied allegations of using state resources for anything beyond the mandate of government. He further stated that should the Public Protector’s Office investigate, Ntombela is willing to subject herself to cooperation. “The premier remains committed to the provision of services to the people of the province, including through the provision of housing to those who need and qualify for them,” Pietersen stated. In conclusion, Pietersen said the premier appreciates and always upholds the highest forms of good governance and transparency.

Whereas the ANC in the province, responding to allegations, said that the ANC-led government built the house that was handed over during the launch of the ANC’s nationwide Letsema Campaign.

OFM News