Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL with images here and here, and a summary of the AG report here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will request urgent intervention from the Department of Roads and Transport, through the oversight committee, to stabilise the Department, protect public funds, and prevent the total collapse of critical road infrastructure services in the Free State. The department’s ongoing financial and governance failures now pose a direct threat to residents, road users, and the provincial economy.
The Auditor-General’s findings remain heavily concentrated on persistent non-compliance with legislation, weak financial management, and an alarming deterioration in the department’s financial health. The department is now in a near-insolvent position, unable to meet even its most basic financial obligations. Its cash shortfall has worsened to R751 million, up from R678 million, leaving it unable to pay its bills. Future payables have escalated to a staggering R1.267 billion, more than double the previous year’s R567 million, signalling a severe risk to the department’s viability.
Compounding the crisis, claims against the department have doubled, rising to R722 million from R362 million, leaving the department vulnerable to litigation from contractors and service providers who have not been paid. These failures directly delay or collapse road maintenance and construction projects, leaving communities to bear the consequences of deteriorating infrastructure, unsafe travel conditions, and disrupted economic activity.
The DA will therefore demand an urgent remedial plan from the MEC, including strict compliance enforcement, the introduction of financial recovery measures, and immediate action to clear legitimate supplier payments.
The Free State cannot afford another year in which poor management and financial negligence place residents at risk and undermine economic growth. The DA remains committed to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that the people of this province receive the reliable roads and transport services they deserve.