The intervention comes after years of corruption, mismanagement, and service delivery failures in the Lichtenburg-based municipality. Once rich in agricultural potential, it now stands as a stark warning of local government collapse. 

Political battles, weak administration, and the breakdown of essentials like water, electricity, and waste collection have left residents in crisis. Among the administrators appointed is former Free State director general Kopung Ralikontsane, who brings with him nearly four decades of public service experience.

Minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) Velenkosini Hlabisa formally introduced the intervention team during a visit to the municipality. He emphasised the unprecedented nature of the deployment, stating for the first time that a multidisciplinary team rather than individual administrators is being sent in to restore order and functionality.

“This is the first time a team of people has come together, bringing a range of expertise. In the past, it was one person at a time. 

“This time, it’s a team effort, and that’s what gives us confidence. It’s what led us to recommend an intervention to the cabinet, rather than a dissolution, because never before has a team of experts stepped in to support the municipality,” said Hlabisa.

He added that this team would work in close cooperation with law enforcement to ensure safety and accountability across all levels of the municipality.

“You’ve heard that safety and security are involved. An interdisciplinary team, including various law enforcement agencies in our country, will be deployed to ensure everyone’s safety – whether it’s an employee, an ordinary community member wanting to raise an issue, or a councillor. The aim is to restore stability, peace, and progress in the municipality,” he explained.

Ralikontsane’s inclusion in the intervention team has been widely welcomed, given his long-standing experience in public administration. Ralikontsane served as director general in the Free State for almost 12 years, and previously held the position of head of department at Cogta for eight years. He exited the Free State provincial government in 2024 after a career spanning nearly 40 years.

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi expressed firm support for the national intervention, describing it as a necessary escalation following years of unsuccessful provincial efforts to restore order.

“As the provincial government, we have been part and parcel of the municipality. We have been here through different interventions in line with the legislation. 

“We were here with our 154 intervention to support the municipality. We had provincial executive reps, we had our financial recovery teams,” Mokgosi said.

Elevated intervention needed

However, despite these past efforts, Mokgosi acknowledged the worsening situation in Ditsobotla.

“The situation here deteriorated to such an extent that we felt Ditsobotla, having been subject to interventions since 2008 under sections 139(1)(b), 139(c), and 139(5), required an elevated form of intervention – not for any other reason but to ensure that the people of Ditsobotla receive the essential services they deserve.”

Mokgosi confirmed that local councillors are on board and have pledged full cooperation with the intervention team.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi