The EFF in the Free State has criticised Mangaung Mayor for his inaction and silence regarding looming evictions in Selosesha, Thaba Nchu.

EFF Councillor Mpho Ramatlama voiced his concerns during a recent Mangaung council meeting, accusing Mayor Gregory Nthatisi of failing to provide reassurance or intervention on behalf of over 1,400 residents facing eviction threats from the North West provincial government.

Ramatlama revealed the North West government is claiming ownership of homes in Selosesha, citing ties to the former Bophuthatswana government. He criticised. Nthatisi for not taking any visible steps to address the fears of the community, who have been facing harassment and uncertainty over their housing situation.

“As the EFF, we don’t just attend to issues without giving authorities time to act. But we are receiving endless calls from people in Thaba Nchu, saying the North West government is preparing to evict 1,400 households. They claim those houses, once under the Bophuthatswana government, belong to North West. 

“Despite this, no one has issued a proper statement to reassure the community.” He called on Nthatisi to make it clear to the residents they would not be forcibly removed from their homes.

In response, Nthatisi acknowledged the complex housing issues in Thaba Nchu. He stated the Mangaung Metro and the provincial leadership would be engaging with the North West provincial government to resolve the matter.

According to Nthatisi the North West Development Corporation is looking to sell some of the disputed properties, which include homes built under the former Bophuthatswana government.

“There are 1,400 houses that were part of the former Bophuthatswana, and North West wants to sell them to the people of Thaba Nchu. We’ve proposed a solution. Additionally, we have 1,500 houses built on land that belongs to public works, but the process of transferring land ownership to the people has been difficult.”

He also mentioned 448 houses are currently in dispute, with multiple individuals claiming ownership. Moreover, there are homes under the Mangaung FDC and others connected to the former technical school in Thaba Nchu. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa had expressed deep concerns over the proliferation of informal settlements in the Free State. This after he had witnessed hundreds of shacks erected at Botshabelo’s entrance near the N8. With a commitment to address the challenges of residents, Ramaphosa highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to improve residents’ living conditions and to ensure access to basic services.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg