Thousands participate in dubious sale of stands after receiving SMSes
Middelburg – The Steve Tshwete municipality says it wanted to “clear confusion” that some stands are available for free.
As the municipality forges ahead with the questionable sale of stands, they saw it important to clarify what they labelled as confusion that residents would get certain stands for mahala.
This comes after thousands of disqualified residents who applied to purchase stands, put pressure on the municipality to halt the sale.
This was exacerbated by suspension of a municipal official following allegations of demanding R2000 bribe from an applicant.
“No stands will be issued for free,” said municipal manager Mandla Mnguni during media briefing.
“We thought it is important we give this clarity because there is incorrect information circulated among residents that stands are available for free,” he explained.
“The five who representated community grieviances, we picked up were under impression they were going to get stands for free. Every resident that is approved, will have to pay.”
Selling started Thursday, 25 July, where hundred (100) stands, divided in half, were shared between municipal employees and councillors. Persons with disabilities were also invited to take part in the sale.
The process continued on Monday, 29 July, with 196 stands up for grabs through a raffle process. The stands were offered at 50% discount for first-time buyers-not owing property-and earning less than R600 000 per annum.
On Tuesday, 30 July, stands will be sold to residents earning above the R600 000 threshold of annual gross income.
However residents falling within this bracket do not qualify for the 50% discount. “These people will have to purchase at full price. No discount, but priority is given, also, to those that do not own property,” Mnguni said. “And then the rest, will be sold to previous and current property owners.”
On Sunday, 28 July, the municipality sent SMSes to disqualified residents inviting them to a raffle conducted on Monday at the Sydney Choma Banquet hall. “Note be taken that only your identity document and response letter will give you access into the premises. Those that did not get their response letters, will be provided as such,” said the message.
