Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Suzette Steyn and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mafube will intensify oversight, strengthen engagement with provincial leadership, and closely monitor the implementation of the strengthened intervention team to ensure urgent improvements in service delivery for residents. This follows the long-overdue oversight visit on 19 March 2026 by the MEC of CoGTA, Saki Mokoena, and Head of Department, Tshepiso Ramakarana, to the Mafube Local Municipality.
Mafube has been under provincial intervention in terms of Section 139(5)(a) and (c) since 2022/2023 due to severe financial mismanagement, high debt, and failing service delivery. Despite this, reports indicate a continuing financial collapse, unpaid staff, and deteriorating infrastructure, particularly severe sewage and water crises.
After the MEC recalled the previous Acting Municipal Manager, Adv Lepheana, in July 2025 and replaced him with Jamela Selapyane, service delivery and revenue collection effectively came to a standstill. Revenue collection dropped to just 9%, while the municipality faces a 71% water loss. The technical services department remains unable to address these losses.
During a Special Council Meeting on 10 March 2026, the Acting Director of Technical Services outlined major challenges. Operational staff across water, sanitation, roads, and fleet divisions are not performing duties due to unpaid salaries, pension contributions, and third-party deductions. The lack of tools, equipment, and protective gear further hampers service delivery. She called for the timely procurement of materials, improved communication from management, and stronger partnerships with the private sector. For example, a burst pipeline in Villiers was repaired with assistance from Free State Oil due to a lack of municipal resources.
A severe shortage of vehicles and constant breakdowns limit responses to water leaks and infrastructure failures. Even when excavation occurs, the absence of clamps and repair materials prevents completion. Sanitation services are similarly affected, with ongoing rainfall, ageing infrastructure, and improper sewer use worsening blockages. As a result, services are frequently outsourced due to inadequate equipment.
Road maintenance is nearly impossible due to the lack of critical machinery, leaving roads in poor condition and worsening stormwater drainage issues. A shortage of repair materials has immobilised much of the municipal fleet, directly impacting water, sanitation, and road services.
According to the MEC, the visit forms part of efforts to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and stabilise municipalities. He emphasised the need for accountability and consequence management. A strengthened intervention team has been introduced, including EXCO Representative Dr Palesa Notsi, CFO Mr Thabang Moses, and Technical Director Mr Themba Tshabalala, to support the Acting Municipal Manager.
To support recovery, the MEC pledged a grader, a roller, a water tanker, a jetting machine, and funding for repairs to existing TLBs. He also appealed to municipal workers for cooperation.
The DA has long called for a strengthened intervention. We will continue strict oversight, engage provincial leadership, and monitor the delivery of promised resources. Proper water and sanitation management is not negotiable, it is a human right.