Months of uncertainty surrounding the controversial Bodulo Mothong housing project could come to an end today when the Free State High Court delivers judgment in a closely watched legal battle that could determine the future of hundreds of vulnerable families awaiting relocation to safer living conditions.

The fate of Mangaung Metro Municipality’s housing programme now rests in the hands of the court after arguments in a dispute between the municipality and the Democratic Alliance (DA) were heard on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

At the centre of the matter is land in Lourier Park earmarked for the relocation of residents currently living in informal settlements situated in hazardous areas across the metro.

After hearing submissions from both parties, the court reserved judgment and announced that its ruling will be handed down at 10:00 on Friday, 5 June.

Mangaung Metro MMC for Planning and Human Settlements, Councillor Ntombi Nhlapho, said the municipality remains confident that the court's decision will support efforts to provide safer living conditions for vulnerable residents.

According to Nhlapho, the Bodulo Mothong programme was established to relocate families living in dangerous environments, including flood-prone areas, wetlands and beneath high-voltage electricity infrastructure.

"The primary objective of the programme is to save lives," she said, adding that many residents remain exposed to significant risks during severe weather conditions and that the municipality has a responsibility to provide land that is safe for human habitation.

The DA, however, has challenged the municipality's actions, arguing that the proper legal processes were not followed in the allocation of the Lourier Park land.

Despite the legal dispute, several residents who support the relocation programme attended the court proceedings and voiced frustration over delays in securing permanent housing.

Thabang Moabi, a resident of an informal settlement in Naledi, said political disagreements should not stand in the way of people accessing safe housing.

"We are hurt when political parties oppose the allocation of municipal land for housing. We just want a place where we can live safely," he said.

Another resident, Joseph Makae, described the difficult conditions faced daily by families living in informal settlements.

He said many residents live near quarries, dams and illegal dumping sites, while basic services such as electricity, sanitation and proper road infrastructure remain unavailable.

"There are dangers everywhere. Children can fall into the dams, the roads become inaccessible when it rains, and we have no toilets or electricity. We need to be moved to a better place," said Makae.

The court's ruling is expected to determine whether Mangaung Metro can proceed with the Lourier Park relocation project or whether additional legal processes will be required before the programme can move forward.