Note to editors: Please find attached an English soundbite by Cllr Thabo Nthapo and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Letsemeng Local Municipality is committed to closely monitoring the recommendations of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) regarding the indigent registration process.
The current indigent registration process in Letsemeng has been plagued with inefficiencies, resulting in the exclusion of the majority of unemployed residents in the municipality. Letsemeng, with a population of 43,101 and an unemployment rate of 22%, clearly suffers from inadequate internal mechanisms.
With a collection rate of only 59%—well below the 95% target set by the National Treasury—it is evident that Letsemeng is struggling economically to provide basic services. The indigent process is crucial as it enables the allocation of government funds through equitable share subsidies to households unable to pay for services due to unemployment.
Currently, only 2,800 households are registered under the indigent process, despite the CFO’s promise to increase this number to 8,000. This target has yet to be met.
The DA is deeply concerned about the failure to meet the registration target due to ineffective administration. We will take proactive steps to ensure the target is achieved by being actively involved in providing solutions to this challenge.
We will request monthly progress reports from management and ensure the process is fair and transparent to the Letsemeng community.