The Free State business community is abuzz with news of a brewing legal battle between prominent businessman Freddie Kenney and the provincial government.
Kenney, owner of the sprawling Lemo Mall, one of the largest in the province, has been issued a 14-day ultimatum to demolish a structure he allegedly erected on government land without permission.
The structure, believed to be an expansion of the mall, has been the subject of controversy since its construction began several months ago. Local authorities have raised serious concerns about the legality of the building, citing a lack of necessary permits and approvals.
The Mangaung municipality, responsible for land use control in the area, has been engaged in a protracted effort to halt the construction and force Kenney to demolish the structure. In a letter dated 4 July 2024, the municipality’s manager Sello More demanded that Kenney submit building plans for approval.
“We refer to our notice dated 4 July 2024, addressed to you regarding the above-mentioned matter. In the aforesaid notice, it was recorded that an illegal building was being erected without the approved building plans or written permission from Mangaung Land Use Control, which is part of the municipality. You were instructed to submit a building plan or building plans for consideration and approval,” read the letter.
However, Kenney has reportedly ignored these warnings and continued with the construction. Sources close to the situation have suggested that the structure is intended for the upcoming Lemo Festival, a major event that draws crowds to the region.
“Some are saying he is building this for the Lemo festival, but a festival does not need bricks and mortar,” said a source.
The land in question is owned by the provincial Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, and is designated for road construction, not for commercial development.
Adding fuel to the fire, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, has taken a firm stance against Kenney’s actions. In a letter dated 26 August, Mbalula expressed his “dismay” that Kenney ignored previous warnings and continued building.
Read Mbalula’s letter: "We are dismayed to learn that despite your application pending for consideration, you proceeded to execute the erection of structures along the reserve and access roads. We view your conduct in a very serious light and give you a notice that you demolish all the structures you erected on the reserve and access road within 14th days from the date hereof."
He warned that failure to comply with the demolition order within the stipulated timeframe will leave the government with no option but to seek legal recourse.
