Ekurhuleni mayor, manager and MEC gets court ruling

The ruling holds Ekurhuleni mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele, municipal manager Khaya Ngema and Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo individually accountable for failing to provide alternative housing to 700 residents of Bapsfontein.

The municipality evicted the inhabitants of the informal settlement in 2011, after it was discovered the land was dolomitic and prone to sink holes.

It was declared a disaster area.

The eviction without a court order was declared unlawful by the Concourt in 2011 and Ekurhuleni was ordered to find suitable land for the residents by December 2012.

The municipality, however, failed to do this.

“This ruling is a great victory for Gauteng’s residents and emphasises the need for hands-on deliverables on the part of the MEC, mayors and municipal managers when it comes to service delivery” said Mervyn Cirota, the DA Gauteng spokesperson for Housing.

The ruling further ensures that leaders no longer shy away from their delivery expectations and sets a precedence for action in cases where officials have simply flouted the law without facing the consequences.

In fact, the Constitutional Court has now made it clear that public representatives and municipal officials will face severe consequences should they fail to comply with court orders.

The DA will monitor compliance in all municipalities across the province, and will name and shame officials when necessary to ensure that those who act in contempt of court orders will pay the price.