TZANEEN – The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) call for the suspension of public events at Jetty 3 at the Tzaneen Dam has sparked a heated debate among residents and event organisers, exposing tensions around fairness and the management of public spaces.

The DA recently announced that it had called for a halt to all events at Jetty 3, citing noise complaints, municipal by-law violations, and a lack of proper event approvals. The party argued that repeated disturbances had disrupted nearby residents and that law enforcement had failed to act decisively.

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Residents allege double standards

“It’s as if one set of rules applies to some, and another to others.”

The article, posted on the Letaba Herald’s Facebook page, drew a flood of reactions, many accusing the party of prejudice, bias, and selective enforcement.

Longtime resident Andile Phakula, who has lived in Tzaneen since 2007, said he has seen a clear and troubling double standard in how the space is regulated.

“Over the years, I have attended and hosted various community gatherings at Jetty 3 and the Tzaneen Showgrounds. What I have noticed is a pattern: when certain groups, particularly those aligned with or supported by DA members, host events, the loud music and crowds are tolerated without issue,” said Phakula.

“Yet when black community members or black-owned groups organise similar events, often after following every proper channel, there’s an immediate uproar, noise complaints, and attempts to shut them down. It’s as if one set of rules applies to some, and another to others.”

Phakula said this inconsistency erodes community trust and undermines the idea of equal access to public spaces.

“Jetty 3 belongs to all of us, not to one political group or section of society,” he said. “If we truly believe in fairness and accountability, then the same bylaws must apply equally. Selective enforcement only divides people and deepens resentment.”

Other residents expressed frustration but agreed that management and enforcement remain the biggest challenges.

“If things were well managed, it would not be a huge problem,” said Byron Henning, commenting on the Herald’s online article. “But the current situation is untenable, with zero consideration for neighbouring residential areas, safety concerns, and the mess that is left behind.”

Jetty 3 management denies claims

Jetty 3 management, led by Thabo Ramopai, dismissed claims that events at the venue have been suspended or that they are operating outside municipal regulations.

“There is no suspension of events at Jetty 3,” Ramopai said. “The problems the DA has been moaning about are what’s been happening at the municipal grounds, not here. We have involved the municipality, police, and the Department of Water and Sanitation in this matter, and we’ll go the legal route if we have to. The DA does not have the legal mandate to determine what happens at Jetty 3.”

Ramopai accused the DA of trying to influence public opinion “on racial grounds”.

DA defends stance on fairness

The DA, meanwhile, maintains that its stance is based purely on the rule of law.

“As far as the DA is concerned, the law must be equally applied to all residents,” said Greater Tzaneen Municipality Cllr Chrisma Bredenkamp.

“Our view was made clear in the media statement: the law must be applied to everyone equally.”

The Greater Tzaneen Municipality has yet to issue an official response to the growing public debate.