SASOLBURG — The Mooidraai Farm Royal Community and Authority has announced a formal follow-up on the case lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The complaint targets former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Ward Councillor, Manana Mozolo, who is accused of irregularly and corruptly selling ancestral land belonging to the Royal Authority.
City Report understands the Royal Authority is seeking justice following a landmark judgment at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein. HRM King Tibisi April Motaung II secured the legal ownership of the land through this court ruling.
“Current Councillor and Provincial Secretary Bosanku Msimanga, alongside Metsimaholo Sub-regional Chairperson Lefa Nhlapo, continue to defend Manana Mozolo as innocent.
“The Royal Authority views this political shielding as a direct defense of corruption. It undermines the rule of law and violates the human rights of the Mooidraai community,” said Motaung II.
Speaking to City Report, the Royal Authority emphasizes the following key matters regarding the property: the High Court confirmed Motaung II as the rightful owner of the ancestral land, the land was secured strictly for the benefit and development of the King’s people, the ancestral land is free and is completely non-saleable under any circumstances.
Motaung II strongly condemns the actions of provincial and sub-regional EFF leadership. The Mooidraai leadership alleges that political interference has hindered accountability regarding the land.
The Royal Authority urges the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to act swiftly to protect the rights and property of the Mooidraai community. It maintains that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, has the right to exploit or sell communal land.
The Royal Council is currently preparing formal petitions to challenge the political immunity shielding compromised officials. Legal representatives for the Royal Authority state that administrative roadblocks violate constitutional protections and community land rights.
On May 5, 2026, Msimanga successfully secured an urgent High Court interdict in the Free State Division in Bloemfontein against Motaung II. The court found that Motaung II had been making defamatory statements against Msimanga, particularly on social media and in public platforms.
BREAKING NEWS: In response to that, on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, Motaung has officially filed an answering affidavit, pushing back against claims of defamation.
The civic leader firmly denied all allegations of defamation. Instead, the legal papers argue that the statements in question are substantially true, factually sound, and constitute fair comment. According to the affidavit, these communications were issued strictly in the public interest.
At the center of the dispute are claims regarding the administration of the Metsimaholo Local Municipality and the Zamdela community. The respondent argued that in their dual capacity as a traditional leader and a civic movement president, they hold a strong social and constitutional obligation to advocate for residents.
“I deny that any statements made by myself or the Fezile Dabi Civic Movement constitute defamation, the communication complained of by the Applicant are substantially true, factually sound, and represent fair comment issued strictly in the public interest. In my capacity as a traditional leader and civic movement president, I bear a constitutional and social obligation to protect public resources and advocate for transparency on behalf of the residents of Zamdela and the broader Metsimaholo Local Municipality.”
At the time of publishing this article, City Report could not get a comment from Msimanga.
