BLOEMFONTEIN – After the ruling earlier today, 5 June, in the Free State High Court, the DA will now study the judgement.

DA Councillor Gregory van Noord has acknowledged the court’s dismissal of the DA’s application challenging a disputed development planned between Lourierpark and Bloemdal in Mangaung Metro.

The party challenged Mangaung Metro’s plan to develop a tract of land where an informal settlement has been growing since 2024. Through the application, the DA sought to compel the metro to comply with legal requirements for land preparation, site demarcation, service installation, and the placement of residents.

Also read: Mangaung celebrates high court judgement on Lourier Park development.

“We will review the full Free State High Court order and consider our next steps, guided by the facts, the law, and our commitment to dignity, adequate housing, proper planning, and basic service delivery in Mangaung,” he said in a statement.

“The DA will carefully study the judgment and reserves all its rights and options. Any further action will be based on a thorough assessment of the legal position, the facts before the court, and the implications for residents, affected communities, and future development in Mangaung.”

Van Noord said the matter has never been about denying people access to housing, but about ensuring that housing projects are lawful, properly planned, and supported by reliable basic services such as water, sanitation, roads, refuse removal, and electricity. “Housing without basic services does not restore dignity, it simply moves vulnerable residents from one hardship to another.”

He said the DA remains committed to upholding the rule of law while fighting for adequate housing that gives real meaning to human dignity.

“Mangaung residents deserve housing solutions that are lawful, sustainable, and supported by infrastructure that allows communities to live safely and with dignity.”