Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about service delivery failures raised by community members at recent Public Participation Meetings across Tokologo’s three towns: Boshof, Dealesville, and Hertzogville. These issues were linked to the Annual Report for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Residents highlighted persistent sanitation failures, particularly in Dealesville, where the TEFLA project on oxidation ponds and sewer pump stations has remained incomplete for 9 nine years, leaving the community exposed to health risks. Similarly, the Hertzogville Oxidation Project, initiated in 2022, has yet to be finalised since the liquidation of the initial contractor, further compounding the sanitation crisis.
Equally troubling are the irregular refuse removal and bucket collection services. These occur seasonally instead of weekly, undermining basic dignity and public health. Water supply remains uninterrupted only in Boshof, where the municipal head offices are located and where a concentration of managers and officials reside. This is an unacceptable disparity that entrenches inequality among towns.
Community members also expressed frustration with the vague duties and the lack of accountability of municipal officials, who fail to assist residents when approached. Another notorious complaint was directed at Ward Councillors, who were accused of employing girlfriends, family members, and political party volunteers on Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and other municipal projects in communities.
The DA strongly condemns councillors’ involvement in staff recruitment. This violates the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and Municipal Systems Act. Such actions erode public trust in governance. The DA calls for:
- Immediate completion of stalled sanitation projects in Dealesville and Hertzogville.
- Restoration of weekly refuse removal and bucket collection services across all towns.
- Equitable water supply to all communities, not only those where municipal officials reside.
- Enforcement of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct to end nepotism and political patronage in recruitment.
- Clear accountability measures for municipal officials to ensure they serve the public effectively.
Tokologo residents deserve dignity, fairness, and reliable service delivery. The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable and demand lawful, transparent governance that prioritises the needs of the people over political interests.