Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Frans Bothma and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) to prioritise reliable service delivery and essential infrastructure upgrades, especially in Ward 19. As home to key business hubs and critical community resources, including Willows, Westdene, the Central Business District (CBD), and Oranjesig, the ward’s deteriorating infrastructure is hampering local businesses, impacting job security, and threatening community safety. The ongoing service issues in water, electricity, sanitation, waste removal, road maintenance, and security have left the community struggling to sustain businesses and maintain quality of life.
If left unaddressed, service failures in Ward 19 will continue to erode the area’s economic potential, risking business closures, job losses, and reduced property values. This neglect increases the municipality’s dependency on government funding due to a weakened tax base, ultimately aggravating South Africa’s fiscal strain.
To assist these areas, the DA has established direct engagement with residents and businesses through the Willows CID Group, where community issues like water leaks, blocked drains, and power interruptions are reported and tracked. The DA also participates in the Willows CID Leadership Group, working toward a legal entity structure and a five-year budget to support sustained improvement. In collaboration with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), we’ve organised patrols, especially during high-traffic events, to ensure security. Initiatives underway include improved communication channels, fostering neighbourhood solidarity, and addressing littering, overgrown areas, and waste management.
As a member of the Westdene Neighbourhood Association, the DA maintains close contact with residents to respond to service issues. We’ve pushed for stricter enforcement of bylaws to tackle noise pollution, drug abuse, and unauthorised alcohol sales, which have fuelled crime around the local clubs. We’re also monitoring liquor licence applications to prevent an oversaturation in the area, protecting property values and reducing community safety risks.
The DA actively participates in the CBD Stakeholders Forum to address concerns such as irregular waste collection, rodent infestations, and failing street lighting. Potholes are another pressing issue, driving potential customers away from local businesses. Additionally, the DA is working with Child Welfare to secure premises for assisting homeless children, thereby reducing illegal activity and supporting community welfare.
Despite challenges with inter-party cooperation in Oranjesig, the DA remains committed to addressing infrastructure issues reported by local businesses. Although the DA does not currently have an Oranjesig forum due to political dynamics, ongoing assistance to residents continues. To enhance safety around the Bus Depot, the DA supports “boots on the ground” through the Park Road Citizens Policing Forum, requesting increased police visibility in this high-risk area.
The DA is committed to holding the MMM accountable for essential service improvements in Ward 19. We will continue reporting and escalating issues to ensure municipal responses align with community needs and infrastructure standards. The DA is prepared to pursue legal avenues if necessary, including obtaining court orders mandating long-term infrastructure plans, to ensure that Ward 19 residents and businesses receive the essential services they deserve.