This comes after concerns emerged last year when the North West provincial government expressed intentions to reclaim and possibly sell homes tied to the former Bophuthatswana government. 

This development caused widespread anxiety among residents, with the EFF councillor, Mpho Ramatlama, accusing Mayor Gregory Nthatisi of failing to protect the interests of the affected community.

During a press briefing at the Mangaung headquarters on Friday (9/5), Nthatisi said the dispute has been addressed through discussions between the Free State and North West provincial governments.

“We have engaged the province of the Free State and the province of the North West. We are on top of making sure that the houses in Thaba Nchu are given to the people who are living there,” Nthatisi said.

He further noted that all communication from the North West to Selosesha residents had been stopped several months ago.

“We have stopped about three to four months ago. We have stopped any communication between the people of Thaba Nchu and the North West corporation. 

“So if there is any other communication, then it’s vindictive and from dubious people. It’s not honest. We are working well with the people of North West, so soon we will conclude that no one is harassing people in Thaba Nchu,” he stated.

OFM News previously reported that the North West government had intended to reclaim and sell approximately 1,400 properties in Selosesha. Nthatisi had said 448 homes remain under dispute, with multiple ownership claims complicating the situation.

Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka recently found that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Mangaung Metro Municipality were guilty of improper conduct and undue delays in addressing wrongful land registrations. 

As a result, the Public Protector directed Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Nthatisi to issue a public apology to affected land beneficiaries in Thaba Nchu.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg