Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Dennis Khasudi and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Linda Louwrens.
The DA in Moqhaka will write to the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager requesting a comprehensive report on the enforcement of municipal by-laws relating to illegal tuckshops, while continuing to hold those responsible accountable for restoring lawful governance.
The situation has now escalated into violence, with the recent protest ending in a physical altercation. This is a clear indication that the matter is no longer only about by-law enforcement but has become a public safety concern.
The DA questions why the necessary law enforcement operations are not being implemented. We want to know whether this failure is the result of non-compliance by Moqhaka Municipality, a lack of coordination between responsible authorities, or a failure by municipal leadership to enforce existing legislation and by-laws.
We further call on the municipality to provide a comprehensive report outlining:
- The enforcement operations that have been conducted to address illegal tuckshops.
- The reasons why enforcement actions have not been consistently implemented.
- The role of Moqhaka Municipality in ensuring compliance with municipal by-laws and relevant legislation.
- How key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the Department of Health, the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, and other relevant government departments, are being engaged to ensure proper regulation and lawful operation of tuckshops within the municipality.
The DA believes that all businesses must operate legally, comply with municipal by-laws, and meet all health and safety requirements. At the same time, the rule of law must be upheld, and no community should be forced to take matters into its own hands because of government inaction.
The people of Moqhaka deserve safe communities, effective governance, and a municipality that enforces its by-laws without fear or favour. The DA will continue to hold those responsible accountable and advocate for lawful, transparent, and effective governance.