The DA in Mangaung has called for greater accountability from the municipality regarding the facility. The party questions how millions of rand allocated for its redevelopment have been spent while the facility remains closed.

The party requested a detailed report from the city manager and an investigation into contracts linked to the zoo project. If it does not receive satisfactory answers, it will refer the matter to oversight bodies, including the standing committee on public accounts and the auditor-general.

Concerns stem from commitments made by the municipality over the past two years to restore and reopen the facility, said DA Cllr Dirk Kotze.

“We recently conducted an oversight inspection at the Bloemfontein Zoo and found that the facility remains closed,” said Kotze. “No animals were visible, and there was little indication that the extensive redevelopment promised by the administration was nearing completion.”

It raises questions regarding both the R8.8m budget allocation announced in 2025 and the R29m redevelopment commitment subsequently made by the executive mayor, he added. “The people of Mangaung deserve clear answers about what happened to the millions allocated for the zoo.”

It is evident that reopening the facility is not a priority, he said, raising concerns that the available budget may be diverted to other activities, including preparations for the 2026 local government election.

In March, city manager Sello More said three contractors had been appointed for electrical, plumbing, painting, fencing and enclosure refurbishment work. Recruitment had also begun for specialist staff, including zookeepers, veterinarians and animal nutritionists, ahead of the reopening.

Zoo expected to reopen in 2028

The metro said it would take a phased approach, completing infrastructure repairs and regulatory requirements before reintroducing animals. The facility is expected to reopen to the public in 2028.

The zoo closed in 2019 after public complaints about animal care, with photos of the conditions widely shared on social media.

The high court in Bloemfontein ruled that the zoo may not keep endangered or protected animals without the required permits. It also ordered that the facility may reopen only once a proper budget is in place to ensure legal and sustainable operations.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame   cvdw

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