The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) condemns the North West provincial Department of Public Works’ plan to auction 23 residential erven in Potchefstroom on a racial basis.
The Department announced, in a public notice in the local media, that erven in the Miederpark and Baillie Park suburbs will be auctioned. The notice also specifically stated that “natural persons from previously disadvantaged communities who have never owned land” will be targeted in the process.
It does not indicate whether the process, albeit race-based, will ensure that the state assets in question are sold in a responsible manner and at market-related prices.
The earmarked erven are mostly situated in middle- to higher-income suburbs with significant income potential for the province.
In addition to the potential for a substantial cash injection for North West, the proper development and occupation of these erven could also stimulate the local economy and broaden the tax base of the JB Marks Local Municipality.
This will only happen, though, if the erven are sold at market-related prices to responsible owners who will develop them in accordance with prescribed standards.
The fact that the ANC-controlled government in North West keeps following race-based processes, even in the sale of state assets, is an outrage, and jeopardises the economy and sustainable development of Potchefstroom and the province.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close eye on the process and promptly act against any irregularities.
