The radical decision by the ANC-led coalition government in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) to proceed with Phase two of the Kleinskool Housing Project opens the door to the expropriation of private land without compensation.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is unwaveringly opposed to this step, viewing it as nothing but a desperate attempt to cover up the Metro’s years of administrative failures.
It also appears to be political posturing, as pushing through a project shortly before the local government elections and issuing title deeds could be handy political instruments.
The crisis affecting the Kleinskool settlement, where thousands of households are currently occupying private land, is a direct consequence of the Metro’s own negligence.
Official documents prove that the Metro has been aware of the land ownership problem ever since the township establishment process began. Despite this, the ANC administration allowed the project to continue without resolving the land status.
The project has been dragging on since around 2010 due to poor planning. To this day, a comprehensive land audit has not been tabled to the Council.
The ANC coalition claims the owners are “untraceable”, but fails to provide a clear timeline or proof of a thorough deeds office investigation. Resorting to expropriation to rectify these mistakes is administrative dereliction.
In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, this plan violates legislation and infringes on property rights. The coalition is attempting to take legal shortcuts that could jeopardise private property rights across the Metro.
The Auditor-General (AG) has been criticising the Metro for poor record-keeping and irregular expenditure for years now. A hasty and unlawful expropriation process could expose the Metro to compensation claims amounting to millions and protracted litigation. And ultimately, taxpayers will pay the price.
The Freedom Front Plus demands that the officials who allowed this project to proceed without the necessary legal processes should be held accountable. The only sustainable solution is a comprehensive land audit, transparent negotiations with landowners, and a lawful process that protects the rights of both residents and owners.
The ANC-led coalition has proven that it prizes administrative disorder and political gain above legal certainty and the people’s interests.
On 4 November, NMBM residents have the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus, which stands for accountable government, transparency and the protection of private property.
Freedom Front Plus Public Participation: The party encourages public participation in governance.
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