This situation is unique because it affects residents who are forcefully expected, without any prior notice, to pay for the increase.

A municipal wage increase of 6% was approved at the beginning of the financial year 2022/23 in June last year.

According to Palesa Mpele, DA Councillor in the Moqhaka Local Municipality, the DA has been questioning the increase to the point that the caucus decided to get the media's attention as nothing ever changes. They get apologies with no action.

The second issue is the delay and total failure of the Moqhaka Municipal Mayor to appoint a Municipal Manager for the past three years. It filters down to the acting directors who are appointed every three months. This has delayed the implementation of the resolution.

The DA caucus was bombarded with calls from Tuesday morning 28 March 2023 when emailed municipal statements were received by residents, hence they immediately sent a Section 52 letter to the municipality.

The DA will continuously reveal and question the activities of maladministration of the municipality to the point where residents will be aware and educated about the consequences of their votes.

“The community clearly trusts us hence we are their first contact. We will also raise the issue in council to the disciplinary committee which will investigate and give us feedback,” said Mpele.

“Unfortunately, the consequence of residents not paying is that they will accumulate arrears therefore they will fall under the collection policy of 60/40 which is a terrible ripple effect with no end in sight,” she added.  

The DA has not yet had a response from the Moqhaka Municipality regarding the Section 52 letter and currently, the municipality has put up a notice informing individuals who are affected to approach their offices as they had a system error.

“What we are expecting as the DA is for the mayor to appoint a Municipal Manager and Director: Appointments should follow so that our residents do enjoy accountable and effective administration in Moqhaka,” said Mpele.

OFM News has sent an enquiry to the municipality and is awaiting a response.

OFM News