Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Cllr Richard Khumalo, Sesotho by Cllr Moshe Lefuma and Afrikaans by Cllr Bea Campbell-Cloete.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality (MaP) rejects the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) proposals, deeming them detrimental to our community’s interests.
During the ordinary Council meeting on 26 October 2023, MaP strangely had no input on the impactful proposals and decided to await the MDB’s final decision regarding the proposals that impact the municipality’s boundaries.
This marked the first time the Council tabled the MDB proposals. The DA unequivocally rejected both MDB proposals referenced as DEM6751 and DEM6759. These processes, initiated in December 2021 and concluded on 30 March 2022, were outlined in Circular 3, issued by the MDB. Despite public meetings held on 12 September 2023 in Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall and on 13 September 2023 at Intabazwe Multipurpose Hall in Harrismith, discussing DEM6781 and DEM6782, these were inexplicably omitted from the Council’s Demarcation Board item.
Similarly, DEM6751, which excludes the special economic zone (SEZ), renders the Municipality unworkable with its four towns – Harrismith, Vrede, Memel, and Warden. The DA insists on a Municipality that is economically viable and sustainable.
Furthermore, the DA stands in solidarity with the residents of Greater Harrismith regarding Ref number DEM6781, even though it was not formally discussed in Council. We eagerly anticipate the MDB’s final decision following the acceptance of this proposal by residents from Ward 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 22 during public meetings. This proposal advocates for the establishment of a stand-alone Municipality in Greater Harrismith.
Presently, there are four MDB proposals affecting MaP: DEM6751, DEM6759, DEM6781, and DEM6782. The Board is diligently considering all inputs from public meetings and formal investigative hearings. Pursuant to section 21 of the Municipal Demarcation Act (MDA), the Board has allowed a 30-day window from the date of publication in the Provincial Gazette for submitting objections. Once this period elapses, the final decision will be published and gazetted.
At that juncture, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Minister of Finance, MECs for Local Government, and all stakeholders will be duly informed of the final decision, ensuring transparency and accountability.