The placard circulating on social media, calling for the removal of the mayor and improved services, amongst others, says there will be a shutdown on May the 31st and calls on residents to embark on protests. 

Municipal spokesperson, Tumelo Tshabalala, tells OFM News they have not officially received any complaint or anything relating to the alleged shutdown. It is for this reason that he says he cannot comment. Tshabalala says in as far as they are concerned, the municipality has been carrying out its duties and providing residents with all municipal services.

OFM News earlier this week reported on protest action that ensued in Mahikeng and neighbouring towns, following a message that suggested the Mahikeng Shutdown on social media.

Several main routes leading to the city were barricaded by groups of protesters who expressed their frustrations over poor services by the Mahikeng Municipality.

Both the Mahikeng and Madibeng Municipalities are amongst those that have for years made headlines with the Auditor-General having listed them amongst North West Municipalities battling to provide services.

The latest local government report by the AG indicates that both the Madibeng Municipality and Mahikeng are amongst the four North West municipalities that have been crippled by their investment in the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.

Municipalities in the province collectively invested more than R314 million with the Bank. Madibeng alone is reported to have invested R31 million of its conditional grant, while Mahikeng - where protests actions flared up this week - invested over R83 million.

OFM News