A proposal by the Mantsopa Local Municipality Mayor, Mamsie Tsoene, to the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) that at the next local government elections Mantsopa and Setsoto municipalities amalgamate with the inclusion of Rosendal and the exclusion of Tweespruit. This document was distributed by the IEC to Mantsopa Municipal Party Liaison Committee (MPLC) members.
The Mayor, proudly announced during a council meeting held in October 2022, that she made the proposal. It will appear that the Mayor of Setsoto is not aware of this document nor the proposal put forward by her ANC counterpart.
Although Setsoto Local Municipal service delivery is poor, they do not have the crippling debt that Mantsopa Local Municipality has. Setsotos’ Eskom debt is R20 million, while Mantsopa owes Eskom R277million. This amount has ballooned since 2015 when it was R60 million. This continued growth of debt will only increase from a mismanaged amalgamated municipality.
The constant infighting between factions of the ANC in the Free State comes at the expense of good governance. Poor services, such as water, electricity, and roads, have a negative economic impact, resulting in lower investment and increasing poverty. Corruption and mismanagement are still key contributors to the collapse of basic services and local economies. The proposed amalgamation will only result in negligence of the community.
The DA will formally question the motives, in council, on why the proposal was submitted to the MDB. Additionally, we will submit a letter to the MDB to oppose the amalgamation of the two municipalities. During the public hearing on the proposal in 2023, the community of Mantsopa will have their voice heard in opposition to the application.
