The call cites governance failures, service delivery collapse, and improved accessibility as key motivations. Sol Plaatje municipality has been placed under administration due to ongoing allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and the collapse of basic municipal services.

The proposal is grounded in Section 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which affirms the right to freedom of expression and direct participation in governance. 

Activists and community leaders are now pushing for a provincial referendum on whether Upington should replace Kimberley as the province’s official capital.

“I believe it’s time for the people of this province to decide for themselves where our capital city should be,” said Namaland activist and chief Shaul Paul Swartbooi. “Sol Plaatje municipality in Kimberley is under administration. 

“We are seeing corruption, financial mismanagement, and basic service collapsing. A city that can’t manage its own water and refuse can’t lead the province.

“People need to feel their votes and their voice matter. A referendum puts that power back in the hands of the city of the Northern Cape, and also in the hands of the citizens.”

Meanwhile, political parties in the Northern Cape are divided over the provincial government’s decision to place the troubled Sol Plaatje under administration.

The municipality that serves Kimberley and Ritchie was officially placed under administration on Monday (11/5) by cooperative governance, human settlements, and traditional affairs MEC Bentley Vass. The provincial executive council invoked Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.

International airport

Swartbooi believes that a city that cannot manage its own affairs is not fit to lead a province. He adds that Upington is more centrally located in the province and serves the largest portion of the Northern Cape’s geographical area.

“It also offers better access for the majority of citizens and two neighbouring countries, with an international airport.

“Upington is a centre of agriculture and tourism in the economy. The city has the infrastructure, border posts to Namibia and Botswana, and river systems to function as a provincial administrative centre.”

Social media user Riaan Coffee commented on Facebook, “The problem is not the town, but the ANC that governs both.

“Upington has just as many problems. Get rid of the ANC first, and then fix the town.”

Gerharduz Kotze also shared his opinion, “Everything you are saying makes 100% sense, but as long as the same incompetent and corrupt people remain in power, you will unfortunately only be shifting crime and corruption to another town.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh

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