Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Carina Serfontein and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Joseph Mbele.
The Democratic Alliance welcomes the finalisation of the legal process confirming the dissolution of the Ngwathe Municipal Council and the implementation of provincial intervention under Section 139 of the Constitution.
This brings to an end a lengthy legal battle during which residents continued to endure collapsing service delivery, ongoing water crises, sewage spillages, deteriorating infrastructure, financial mismanagement and a municipality that has failed to fulfil its constitutional obligations.
The outcome confirms what the DA, residents, AfriForum and the Save Ngwathe movement have consistently maintained: Ngwathe is a municipality in deep crisis, and urgent intervention is required to restore governance and service delivery.
The courts have now spoken clearly.
The findings regarding the collapse of governance, financial dysfunction, and the ongoing harm suffered by residents have been tested in court and ultimately upheld.
There is now no further room for delay, obstruction or political manoeuvring. The focus must shift from litigation to implementation.
Residents of Parys, Heilbron, Koppies, Vredefort and Edenville have waited long enough for decisive action. They deserve functioning water systems, reliable electricity infrastructure, proper sanitation services, sound financial management and accountable local government.
The DA acknowledges the efforts of AfriForum, Save Ngwathe and every resident who refused to accept the continued decline of the municipality.
This outcome is not a victory for any political party or organisation. It is a victory for the people of Ngwathe and for constitutional accountability.
We call on the Free State Provincial Government to ensure that the administration process is implemented effectively and transparently, with a clear focus on restoring basic services, stabilising municipal finances and rebuilding public trust.
For years, residents have paid the price for municipal failure. Today marks an important step towards rebuilding a municipality that serves its people.
Ngwathe can work. The rebuilding must start now.