Residents left in the dark over controversial leasing of land around Nigel Dam

by Cllr. Wlloaston Labuschagne — DA Ward Councillor Ekurhuleni

Date: 20 August 2021

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is perturbed by the highly controversial leasing of the area around the Nigel Dam — popular amongst local residents for recreational purposes, which include fishing and boating.

The process around the leasing agreement, between the ANC-led City of Ekurhuleni and an unidentified third party, has lacked transparency and been shrouded in secrecy. It is unclear what the area intends to be used for, however the item indicates that the area will be repurposed for “agricultural purposes”. Even more puzzling is the fact that within the agreement the land portion is being leased for a measly R2 858 per month.

During a confidential meeting in 2018, members of the Development Facilitation Committee met in the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mzwandile Masina’s private boardroom to discuss the lease. No DA member, nor the ward councillor for Nigel was invited. The item was subsequently steam rolled through Council by the ANC and their coalition partners* without any Oversight deliberation nor any form of public participation. While they are within their rights to do this, it shows a complete disregard for the Nigel community.

The DA vehemently opposed the item and voted against it as the Nigel community was simply excluded from the deliberation process. Furthermore, the area in question is as a public park and not for agricultural use.

Despite complaints and objections by Nigel residents, it has been reported that barbed wire is being erected to cordon off the piece of land in question. The Department of Legal and Corporate — the entity that deals with leases has been approached for comment, confirmed that the land had been leased but were unable to provide any further detail on the leasing arrangement.

The untransparent nature of the agreement and the lack of consultation with the community and ward councillor is unacceptable and disrespectful to the Nigel community. Such vague leasing arrangements do little to inspire trust and confidence in an administration that perennially fails it’s residents.

The DA has subsequently launched a petition to illustrate the major opposition of the Nigel community to the proposed lease — Cancel the irregular lease for land portion around the Nigel Dam! — Petitions.net

In addition the Party will do everything in it’s power to ensure that the ANC and their coalition partners are held to account in entering into such suspicious leasing agreements without proper consultation.

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*Coalition Partners: African Independent Congress (AIC), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa (IRASA)

Cllr. Wollaston Labuschagne

DA Councillor in Ekurhuleni