The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality welcomes the urgent order granted by the Polokwane High Court interdicting and restraining the unlawful use of a property in Letsitele as a motor vehicle workshop.
Following numerous complaints from residents about businesses illegally operating motor vehicle repair workshops in contravention of the Town Planning Scheme and zoning regulations, the DA conducted oversight visits in Letsitele.
During these visits, it was observed that several premises were being unlawfully used as workshops, resulting in oil spillage and pollution on public pavements, while properties were utilised outside of their lawful zoning.
The DA has consistently pressured the Greater Tzaneen Municipality to take all necessary steps to enforce its municipal bylaws and act decisively against unlawful activities that undermine proper town planning and environmental management.
Eventually, the Municipality undertook to investigate these contraventions and to institute legal action where warranted.
We are pleased to note that this commitment has now been honoured: on 3 September 2025, an urgent court order was granted interdicting the unlawful conduct of these businesses.
The DA commends the Municipality for approaching the courts to enforce its bylaws and protect both the integrity of town planning regulations and the wellbeing of local residents.
This action sets an important precedent, bylaw enforcement is not optional, and no individual or business may act outside of the law without consequence.
We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these legal steps are fully implemented and that the rights of law-abiding residents and businesses remain protected.