The City of Matlosana’s Directorate of Planning and Human Settlements has issued an urgent warning to residents following reports that an independent political candidate is actively inciting members of the public to illegally occupy municipal land.
On Tuesday, 6 October 2026, local authorities confirmed they are tracking several social media posts attributed to Xolani Tshabalala, an independent candidate contesting Ward 15 in the upcoming Local Government Elections.
In these posts, Tshabalala is allegedly seen encouraging people to make unauthorized entries and occupy land parcels in Matlosana Estates, Extensions 2 and 9.
Municipal officials have strongly distanced the local government from the candidate’s actions,reiterating that he possesses zero authority to distribute or clear land for residential use.
In a stern directive, the City warned that any attempts to build on the property will be met with immediate law enforcement intervention.
The municipality stated unequivocally that Tshabalala’s efforts to enter, occupy, and allocate these land parcels are entirely illegal. Consequently, residents have been warned that the municipality will demolish and remove any illegal structures or shacks erected on the property, and all building materials will be confiscated without prior notice.
Local authorities are urging residents not to be misled by unauthorized individuals promising land access ahead of the elections. The Directorate emphasized that formal housing and land allocation strictly follow official municipal planning processes and legal channels.
“Residents of Matlosana are hereby informed that Xolani has not been authorised to allocate Municipal land. His actions to enter, occupy and allocate Municipal land parcels is illegal!
“The Municipality will demolish, remove and confiscate all illegal structures/shacks erected on this land without notice,” said the municipality in a statement.
Responding fiercely to the allegations, Tshabalala slammed the municipality, claiming the warnings are nothing more than bullying tactics.
He argued that the Human Settlements Directorate has once again resorted to its usual methods of threatening residents who are looking to occupy residential sites in Extension 2. Dismissing the municipality’s directives, Tshabalala stated that these intimidation tactics are nothing new and were fully expected.
The independent candidate went on to challenge the legal basis of the City’s warning, pointing out that under South African law, the municipality cannot simply demolish property without a valid court order. He maintained that there are strict legal processes and constitutional frameworks that must be followed because no department is above the law.
Tshabalala also dismissed criticism surrounding his political ambitions, stating that his status as a councillor candidate has absolutely nothing to do with the broader, deep-rooted issues faced by homeless residents across Matlosana.
Vowing that political distractions would not get in the way of human dignity, Tshabalala challenged the municipality to take the matter to a court of law, declaring that his camp is both recognized and legally informed.
He concluded with a rallying cry, urging Matlosana residents to stand firm because their rights to housing and dignity will not be intimidated away.
“Furthermore, lets address the noise of being a Cllr candidate has absolutely nothing to do with broader deep rooted faced by homeless residents across Matlosana. We will not let political distractions get in a way of human dignity.
“If the municipality wishes to challenge this, we will for them to file a case in court of law. We are recognized, and we are legally informed,” said Tshabalala.
