Free State Premier
By Thabo Mosia
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae has been ordered by the Public Protector to apologise to 480 Thaba Nchu residents for the government’s failure to address wrongful property registrations dating back decades. This mandate forms part of a detailed report released on 30 December 2024 by Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, highlighting systemic failures and administrative negligence by state entities, including the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
Background of the Investigation
The report stems from complaints filed by two residents of Thaba Nchu, Ranthamane Nche and Billy Plaatjies, who inherited properties only to discover discrepancies in ownership records. The Public Protector’s investigation uncovered 480 similar cases involving wrongful property registrations, some dating as far back as 1999.
According to the findings, these errors have caused severe prejudice to the affected individuals, depriving them of their constitutional rights to property ownership. Despite multiple attempts by residents to rectify the situation through municipal and departmental channels, no significant progress was made.
Key Findings
The investigation found substantial administrative failures, including undue delays by the DPWI and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in correcting ownership records. Specific findings include:
• In 1999, Ranthamane Nche’s property was erroneously registered under a neighbour’s name. Despite years of appeals to municipal authorities, the issue remains unresolved.
• Billy Plaatjies discovered errors in the title deed of his property, initially registered under the DPWI. Attempts to correct the deed through the municipality and DPWI yielded no results.
These cases form part of a broader pattern of administrative neglect affecting hundreds of properties in Thaba Nchu.
Mandated Remedial Actions
The Public Protector’s report mandates comprehensive remedial actions to address these systemic failures. Key directives include:
1. Public Apology: Premier Letsoha Mathae and Mangaung Executive Mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana must issue a public apology to all affected residents within 30 days.
2. Action Plan: The Office of the Premier must coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop a consolidated action plan within 60 days, detailing roles and responsibilities for rectifying wrongful property registrations.
3. Policy Overhaul: The DPWI must audit all properties in Thaba Nchu to identify additional discrepancies and appoint conveyancers to address title deed errors within 180 days.
4. Accountability Measures: Municipal and departmental officials responsible for delays must undergo training and face disciplinary actions where necessary.
Broader Implications
The failure to address property registration errors undermines public trust in state institutions and violates constitutional principles. Section 16 of the Deeds Registries Act mandates accurate property ownership records, a standard the state has failed to uphold in Thaba Nchu.
The lack of resolution also impacts the economic prospects of affected residents, who are unable to leverage their properties for financial security or development opportunities.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube