Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Marius Marais and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned that the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Health Services department is not effective in ensuring the protection of citizens’ health.
According to a report presented to Council on targets reached for the period July to September 2025, only a small percentage of food control targets were achieved. The report indicated that only 39 milk samples were collected out of the planned 51, while the target of 5 inspections on water monitoring was not met, with only 3 inspections conducted.
Water quality monitoring is crucial in preventing the spread of disease, especially given that the majority of wastewater treatment plants in the district are either collapsed or in a state of dysfunction, posing an increased risk of polluting the water resources that many people rely on for household use and agriculture.
Likewise, inspections at food premises fell far short, with only 33% of the target reached. The DA is concerned that the district municipality is not in a position to guarantee to the public that only properly handled and safe food is distributed by food outlets.
Only 37% of the target was reached on inspections at childcare facilities, and only 37% of inspections at learning institutions were done. With the same trend of failure in inspections at accommodation establishments, old-age homes, and disability centres.
The ANC-run Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality is failing to meet the needs of its residents. The health and safety of residents are being compromised when this primary function of health inspections is not effectively implemented.
The DA will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the health department through their quarterly report. Our concerns have been raised with the Executive Mayor, and the Municipal Manager.
The DA demands that the health of our citizens is protected at all times and that the municipality treats its obligations with the seriousness they deserve.