Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the ongoing failures of the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the municipalities under its jurisdiction. The ANC-led administration has demonstrated a shocking lack of governance, accountability, and political will, leaving the province in a state of disrepair and its residents in dire straits.
Free State municipalities are drowning in debt, with Matjhabeng owing a staggering R8.7 billion to Eskom and Dihlabeng’s debt surpassing R1.3 billion. This financial mismanagement has led to forced load reductions, leaving residents in darkness and businesses unable to operate. The situation is further exacerbated by the collapse of water infrastructure, as seen in Ladybrand, where the water treatment plant has failed, resulting in untreated water being released into households and exposing residents to severe health risks. Despite an allocation of R8 million for refurbishment, the project remains incomplete allegedly due to corruption and negligence.
Political interference has further crippled municipal operations. Key positions remain vacant for extended periods, and appointments are often made based on political loyalty rather than merit, prevalent in Mangaung and Matjhabeng. This blatant discrimination undermines the principles of equality and fairness, fostering division and resentment among communities. This has led to a lack of skilled leadership, exacerbating the collapse of governance structures. The Department’s inability to enforce consequence management has fostered a culture of impunity, where irregular and wasteful expenditure goes unpunished. For example, the Free State CoGTA has failed to investigate billions of irregular spending, as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s reports. The ANC’s prioritisation of political survival over service delivery has turned municipalities into breeding grounds for corruption and incompetence.
The DA demands immediate action to address these failures:
- Consequence Management: Hold officials accountable for financial mismanagement and failures in service delivery.
- Infrastructure Repairs: Prioritise the completion of critical projects, such as the Reitz Water Purification Plant and the restoration of electricity infrastructure in Metsimaholo.
- Debt Management: Ring-fence revenue from electricity and water services to settle debts and maintain infrastructure.
- Transparent Governance: Eliminate political interference and ensure merit-based appointments in municipal management.
The DA will continue to fight for the dignity and rights of residents in the Free State. We call on the provincial government to act decisively and restore accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery. The people of the Free State deserve better, and the DA is ready to lead the charge for change. Together, we can rebuild our municipalities and secure a brighter future for all.