The village, which is divided into east and west sections, falls under the Mahikeng Local Municipality. It is also one of the areas that has frequently been marred by violent protests, notably in early 2018 when angry residents called for the then Premier of the North West, Supra Mahumapelo, to step down. 

Following the National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole’s briefing on stringent measures put in place to ensure that South Africans are safe to go vote, the OFM News team headed to Dithakong and spoke to several residents on their intentions to vote in the nation’s elections tomorrow.

There is a clear divide, in the area. Community members are not on the same page regarding their plans for tomorrow. Some are adamant they will not vote, citing a lack of service delivery, clean running water and recreational facilities since the dawn of democracy as a reason. They say for the past 25 years of democracy they haven’t received anything from the ANC-led government. Others feel compelled to cast their vote tomorrow, including two elderly women who fear losing social grants if they don’t vote.

There is also the matter of the main tarred road in the village. The road is visibly falling apart with potholes developing all over making it difficult to travel on. There is even a section where the road ends abruptly. This road has become a contentious matter in the community. Resident after resident complained about the road, saying its poor condition is a sign the government has deserted the area.

OFM News has since been reliably informed that Sitole and his national delegation visited Dithakong, which is one of the identified hotspots in the province shortly after his briefing in Mahikeng today.

OFM News/Olefile Vilakazi and Olebogeng Motse