RUSTENBURG HERALD - BOITEKONG - On Friday, 23 January, Rustenburg Local Municipality carried out a demolition operation in Boitekong targeting illegally erected structures resulting from unlawful land occupation within the municipal jurisdiction.
“The municipality wishes to state clearly that this action was undertaken lawfully, responsibly, and in the interest of protecting the broader community. While the municipality fully acknowledges the socio-economic pressures faced by many residents, including the ongoing demand for housing and access to land, illegal land occupation cannot be permitted as it undermines orderly development, public safety, and sustainable service delivery.
“Over time, illegal land invasions have consistently resulted in unauthorised and unsafe connections to municipal water, electricity, and sewer infrastructure. These illegal connections cause extensive damage to infrastructure, disrupt essential services, and lead to financial losses amounting to millions of rands. Ultimately, the burden of these losses is carried by law-abiding residents who pay for municipal services and rely on stable infrastructure.
“The municipality has a constitutional and legislative obligation to protect public assets, uphold the rule of law, and ensure equitable access to services. Failure to act against illegal land occupation would not only compromise existing infrastructure, but would also derail planned development projects and negatively affect communities who are waiting patiently for housing through approved and lawful processes.
“Rustenburg Local Municipality further appeals to community members to refrain from participating in or supporting illegal land occupation, as such actions have long-term negative consequences for service delivery, municipal finances, and social cohesion. The municipality will continue to act firmly but fairly, balancing enforcement with engagement, and ensuring that public resources are protected for the benefit of all residents - both now and in the future,” RLM said.
