DELMAS – The Executive Mayor of the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM), Vusi Buda, responded to an unprecedented land seizure that demanded a prompt response from law enforcers before things escalated. On April 16, 2024, tensions flared in Botleng as locals took matters into their own hands, seizing a piece of land along the R42 near Shoprite Botleng (N12) in a bold bid to secure residential stands. The situation quickly escalated, prompting municipal security to intervene and disperse the crowds who had staked out areas for future home construction.
In his response, Mayor Buda stated, “The municipality unequivocally condemns the unlawful occupation of land currently underway. Such actions are criminal and carry punitive consequences.” Mayor Buda clarified that proper procedures were not followed, and no permission was granted by the municipality or its representatives for the occupation.
Furthermore, Mayor Buda outlined the intended use of the contested land, revealing plans for the development of a new cemetery next to the one currently in use, which is fast approaching full capacity. He explained that studies had been conducted, and national government approval had been obtained to establish the cemetery to serve residents of Delmas and Botleng.
In response to the unlawful occupation, VKLM swiftly engaged legal recourse, instructing its lawyers to file an urgent court interdict in the High Court on April 16 to halt the unauthorized activity. Concurrently, municipal security personnel were deployed to enforce compliance and prevent further encroachment.
Mayor Buda reiterated the municipality’s commitment to addressing housing needs but highlighted the challenges posed by existing housing projects and limited resources. He stated, “We have a significant backlog of people in need of land, and we are actively pursuing solutions to address this issue.” Plans include procuring a site for the development of approximately 1400 stands and formalizing additional areas for township development.
In response to residents’ grievances, Mayor Buda highlighted ongoing efforts to engage with communities and incorporate their needs into the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). However, he acknowledged the limitations faced by the municipality in addressing all demands independently and emphasized the importance of collaboration with other government institutions.
Despite municipal efforts to address housing needs, discontent among residents persists. Lindokuhle Mabena, a Botleng resident, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing housing after more than a decade of residency. “We have been hearing of the backlog for years, but still, nothing changes,” Mabena lamented.
Similarly, Nompumelelo Manamela voiced disillusionment with government responsiveness, advocating for more assertive action. “If we do not use force with this government, nothing will improve,” Manamela asserted, highlighting the perceived inequities in housing allocation.”
