Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL with images here, here, here, and here.
ANC-faction infighting has paralyzed the Letsemeng Local Municipality (LLM), pushing it to the brink of collapse. Xolani Mthukwane, Speaker of LLM’s refusal to step down after the ANC-PEC’s explicit directive underscores a leadership crisis that has left the municipality’s community vulnerable and disenfranchised.
LLM currently operates without a Technical Director, as the Acting Technical Director has been on maternity leave for longer than a month. This lack of leadership complicates service delivery and compliance.
The residents of LLM are fed-up. Refuse collection has become non-existent, Wastewater Treatment Works have fallen into disarray, and water shedding has become a grim reality that affects daily life for all. This situation is the inevitable consequence of incompetent leadership, which has rendered municipal services ineffective.
However, amid this mismanagement, we have witnessed an inspiring act of community resolve. Last week, 35 dedicated community members from Luckhoff, a diverse group of farmers, business owners, and workers, took the initiative to repair 105 potholes over a stretch of 1.2 kilometres leading to their town. They also took it upon themselves to transport approximately 500 cubes of sand to fill the crevices eroding next to the curb. Such actions are commendable and reflect a deep-seated commitment to their town that should never have had to arise in the first place.
The DA stands in solidarity with these inspiring community members and supported their efforts by providing nourishment and additional labour. Yet, while we commend their initiative, it is both troubling and unacceptable that residents must fill the gaps left by the failing LLM. The responsibility for maintaining infrastructure and providing essential services lies with the ANC-governed municipality.
The DA is appalled by the complete collapse of municipal services and will take all necessary steps to hold the ANC-governed administration accountable. The residents of Luckhoff deserve better, and we stand committed to advocating for the necessary changes to restore functionality and service delivery in Letsemeng.