Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Cllr Ian Riddle and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
On Monday, 19 August 2024, workers in the Mohokare Local Municipality went on strike. The employees took to the streets, burning tyres, protesting, and vowing not to return to work until their demands were met. The core issue with the Mayor, Zingisa Mgawuli, stems from infighting and a power struggle within the ANC caucus. Posters from protesting workers read: “Mohokare Total Shutdown; By ANC Members, Sanco, Cosatu, and the Community. We Demand the Mayor Resigns Immediately, Our Stadium is Not for Sale!!! Mohokare Mayor Must Go!!! And We Demand the Removal of the Mohokare Mayor Who Votes and Works with Opposition Parties.”
Regarding the stadium, an old, vandalised stadium on the outskirts of Rouxville has not been used for the past 30 years, according to residents. A company named Precision Feeds, comprising two outside investors and several local farmers, approached the council to purchase the property with plans to convert the building into a feedlot manufacturing plant.
The estimated budget for the renovation was around R11,000,000. The agreement stipulated that all materials would be sourced locally, and local labour would be used for the renovations. This project promised to inject significant funds into the local economy and create job opportunities for the community. While the Mayor and several councillors supported the project, opposition came from the ANC Ward Councillor, Sanco, Cosatu, and the community, who argued that selling the property would compromise the future inheritance of the locals.
Meanwhile, in Rolelethunga, the main informal settlement in Rouxville, the municipality has submitted all necessary documents to CoGTA to secure funding for a new sports centre from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. The project, valued at R12,111,833.00, will include a covered grandstand, soccer/rugby field, volleyball/tennis courts, and netball/basketball courts.
Additionally, phase one of a new soccer field is being developed in Rouxville this financial year, with funding of R3,200,000.00 granted by Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation via the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
This strike not only exposes the deep divisions within the ANC but also reveals their lack of interest in creating employment opportunities for the local population. As a defunct municipality, Mohokare is unlikely to afford to renovate the old stadium under any foreseeable budget. Opportunities like this are rare, and it is evident that the ANC is not committed to fostering job creation.
The Democratic Alliance is not afraid to partner with the private sector to create employment. We will press the council and the municipality to conduct a thorough investigation into the stadium project and the reasons for not accepting an economic growth opportunity. Additionally, we urge the municipality to communicate clearly with the residents of Mohokare on how they intend to fulfil their promises of future job growth.