The initiative, which was officially launched last month in Gauteng, aims to promote cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban and rural environments. More than just a cleaning campaign, it seeks to galvanise communities, foster volunteerism, and reignite a sense of civic pride.

“It is envisaged that the service delivery initiative will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit, volunteerism, and pride among residents,” said Mashatile’s acting spokesperson, Keith Khoza.

Mashatile’s visit is part of a broader national effort to accelerate service delivery under the District Development Model, said Khoza. The campaign also seeks to build on the commitments made by Mashatile during the Salga Lekgotla earlier this year, targeting both environmental and socio-economic challenges that municipalities like Matjhabeng continue to face.

During his visit, the deputy president will tour key infrastructure sites. One of the focal points will be the Renergen Tetra4 Helium Gas Facility, where he will engage directly with both workers and management. The tour aims to provide “first-hand insight into the operations of the helium gas plant and its contribution to the local and national economy”.

Mashatile is also expected to assess progress at the Thabong water treatment plant, a project critical to improving sanitation services in Thabong East, Thabong Central, Riebeeckstad, and Bronville. This visit comes amid widespread concern over poor sanitation and water supply in the region.

Residents have long expressed frustration over decaying infrastructure and ineffective governance. Odendaalsrus resident Liezel Graaff recently highlighted the personal toll of service delivery failures, sharing how she had to store water in her bathtub for weeks, only to eventually vacate her home due to prolonged outages.

The municipality’s crisis reached a boiling point earlier this year when Matjhabeng was placed under administration following governance instability and political tensions between Speaker Bheke Stofile and Cooperative Governance MEC Saki Mokwena. 

The stalemate over implementing a court order drew harsh criticism from both the provincial government and residents.

The municipality and its acting municipal manager were fined R250,000 after being found in contempt of court for failing to address sewage spillage, despite having received a R3.5 billion allocation to improve water and sanitation services.

Mashatile will also take part in hands-on community service activities, including road marking, pothole repair, and neighbourhood cleaning alongside residents. His participation aims to send a strong message about government accountability and the shared responsibility in improving living conditions.

Mashatile will be joined by Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, Matjhabeng Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, Lejweleputswa District Mayor Veronica Ntakumbana, and senior provincial and local government officials.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi