The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) will urgently engage the Municipal Manager, Mr. Donald Mhangwana, to remind him of GTM’s constitutional and statutory obligations to provide temporary or emergency housing to families whose dwellings in Mokgolobotho Village were demolished following a lawful court order.
During an oversight visit by the DA to Mokgolobotho Village, it was revealed that families are now homeless and destitute after their illegally constructed dwellings were demolished by the municipality.
While we respect and support the rationale behind the court order and the importance of lawful, orderly development, the right to dignity and access to adequate housing is enshrined in the Constitution. Read together with landmark Constitutional Court judgments, these provisions make it clear that even where structures are unlawfully erected, municipalities have a duty to prevent homelessness, provide emergency accommodation, and plan for longer-term housing solutions.
The DA remains committed to upholding the dignity and rights of the affected Mokgolobotho Village residents. We will continue to mobilise humanitarian support and hold GTM accountable with regards to their responsibilities.