Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho by Cllr Moshe Lefuma.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality is concerned about the failure of the municipality to pay participants assisting with the Indigent register application process. This oversight not only undermines the municipality’s financial integrity but also affects residents awaiting essential services.
The Indigent register plays a pivotal role in obtaining equitable share grant funding and budget allocation for residents eligible for limited basic services. Despite dedicated efforts from participants, payments have been delayed due to a misguided interpretation of the council’s decision. The council had agreed on a payment of R1500 per month, not the erroneously claimed R10 per application form. Additionally, the delayed issuance of contracts further hampered progress.
This delay jeopardises residents who have completed applications, eagerly anticipating relief on their municipal accounts. The municipality’s inability to handle even basic processes highlights its incompetence, causing significant distress within the community.
The failure to pay Indigent registration participants not only hampers their livelihoods but also impacts residents relying on these essential services. Without prompt payment, the community faces uncertainty, financial strain, and a potential loss of faith in the municipal system. This delay threatens the very fabric of our community, eroding trust in local governance.
The DA remains committed to pressuring the municipality to fulfil its contractual obligations promptly. We demand the immediate release of stipend payments owed to these participants. Furthermore, we call for urgent Section 139 provincial intervention to rectify the municipality’s inability to execute its executive duties as mandated by the Constitution.