Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estelle Pretorius and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tswelopele Local Municipality notes with concern the events surrounding Bultfontein’s 150th birthday celebrations this past weekend. Despite the farming community and show organisers going to great lengths and using their resources to make this event memorable, the municipality failed to contribute to the celebrations or assist with crucial infrastructure maintenance that could have enhanced the town. While the municipality did gravel the road—a task long overdue—they claimed there were no funds available for further support. Please see the pictures here and here.
In stark contrast, a large-scale event was organised in Phahameng, featuring a constructed stage, numerous artists, marquee tents, and complimentary food and drinks for attendees. ANC-branded towels and Tswelopele t-shirts were also distributed to elderly residents and municipal workers. Please see the pictures here, and here.
This blatant use of Bultfontein’s 150th birthday as a municipality-funded ANC event deepens division within the community, exposing the municipality’s prioritisation of its political agenda over fostering unity. The extravagant event further highlighted the disparity in resources allocated for community development projects versus political events. This misuse of public funds for political gain undermines trust in local government and widens the rift between residents.
The DA will formally write to the Municipal Manager and raise questions in the Council to investigate why municipal funds were diverted to promote a specific political party instead of celebrating a significant milestone for the town. We demand a comprehensive breakdown of the finances used for the event and an explanation for why these funds were not allocated to support the entire community. Furthermore, we will continue to scrutinise the source of the funds and determine if this expenditure constitutes wasteful use of municipal resources.