The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker and Municipal Manager of the Dawid Kruiper Municipality regarding the irregular occupation of municipal property at Erf 15747 in Olivier Park, Upington.
The property, zoned as public open space for tourism purposes, has been occupied by Katchane Lifestyle since December 2023, before any formal procurement process was completed.
A tender for the property was only advertised in 2024, yet written permission to use the site had already been granted before the process concluded. The highest-scoring bidder was therefore never awarded the opportunity.
After the property was again advertised in 2025, the highest-scoring bidder was awarded the tender but has still not been able to access the site which remains occupied by Katchane Lifestyle.
Under Katchane Lifestyle, the facility has reportedly hosted several events where attendees were dressed in ANC Youth League regalia, creating the strong impression that these were political gatherings and raising serious concerns about political favouritism and possible cadre deployment.
In the meantime, the Dawid Kruiper Municipality continues to lose potential revenue from the site. Residents and neighbouring businesses have also reported disturbances, including excessive noise, alcohol abuse, harassment of visitors to the nearby tourism attraction, Sakkie se Arkie, and even an assault complaint linked to the property.
It has also been reported that improvements to the site, including repairs to the swimming pool, grass cutting, and the emptying of septic tanks, were carried out at municipal expense. If confirmed, this could violate the Municipal Finance Management Act, Section 217 of the Constitution, and the Municipal Systems Act, and may amount to the irregular use of municipal assets, financial mismanagement, and the unauthorised commercial use of public property.
For several years, the DA has raised numerous concerns about the use of the property to the Municipal manager, with no response.
The DA has therefore formally requested:
- A copy of any lease agreement governing the property
- Proof of payments for improvements to the site
- Clarification on municipal spending related to the property
- Accountability for the irregular occupation of the land
- Confirmation of council approval for alcohol use and probable sale of alcohol on the premises
- Proof of a valid liquor licence
The DA will continue to pursue accountability to ensure that municipal land is managed in the best interests of the community.
Municipal property must be managed transparently and in accordance with the law.