Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Irene Rügheimer and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL with a response from the mayor here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally request that the written responses on the impact of heavy trucks in Fouriesburg be tabled and debated at the next Council meeting, and will submit a motion to ensure that proper procedures are followed to restore transparency and accountability.
The DA notes with concern how formally submitted written questions to Council were handled, and the implications this has for effective oversight. On 26 November 2025, written questions regarding the impact of heavy vehicles in Fouriesburg were submitted to the Municipal Manager for response in an open Council sitting, in line with established procedures. These questions sought clarity on road safety, infrastructure damage, economic impact and tourism.
Prior to the Council meeting of 29 January 2026, the responses did not appear on the agenda. While the meeting was underway, written replies were received via email. As a result, the responses were neither tabled nor debated and did not form part of the official Council record. This undermines transparency and weakens Council’s oversight role on matters that directly affect residents and businesses.
The administration’s responses confirm that a proposed truck stop near the R26 entrance collapsed after the purchaser failed to meet payment obligations, and that alternative land towards the Lesotho border has been identified. However, no formal economic impact assessment has been conducted, and no budget provision exists for repairing deteriorating roads in the town centre.
Without proper Council deliberation, implementation timelines and accountability measures remain unclear. The DA will continue to pursue formal consideration of these matters to ensure enforceable, sustainable solutions that protect infrastructure, support tourism and safeguard the interests of the Fouriesburg community.