The financially distressed municipality has become synonymous with political infighting, administrative instability and persistent failures in delivering essential services. Residents have endured erratic refuse removal, unreliable water and electricity supplies, as well as prolonged governance disputes that have repeatedly disrupted municipal operations.

The municipality’s challenges have also drawn criticism from finance minister Enoch Godongwana, who previously alleged some municipal employees reported for duty for no more than ten days a month and were frequently seen drinking alcohol in parks during working hours.

Kopung Ralikontsane, the national cabinet representative deployed to the municipality, said Ditsobotla needs the support of its communities to improve revenue collection and reduce its dependence on National Treasury grants. He said residents who consistently pay for municipal services would help the incoming council make visible and tangible improvements.

Ralikontsane outlined the municipality's short- and medium-term plans to address existing challenges, strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery.

“We are hoping that through electricity, when Eskom is here, we will also be able to raise our revenue a little bit. But people must also pay for rates and taxes; then we can be able to fix where the problems are. With the current resources that are here, we are trying to fix a problem where Ditsobotla has had destruction for the past 15 years since 2011. We are trying to fix that in a very short space of time.”  

The municipality was also in the process of appointing senior managers, adding that its financial position was beginning to stabilise. He indicated that by 8 November, the municipality would have procured the necessary equipment to improve services to residents.

Ditsobotla has reportedly been operating with only one refuse removal truck, which has largely been servicing residents in town. At least R30 million is expected from National Treasury to assist the municipality in acquiring additional trucks and equipment.

Electricity provision is also being expanded in partnership with Eskom, a move expected to help stabilise water treatment plants. Ralikontsane said electricity interruptions at treatment plants often forced the municipality to rely on generators, contributing to sanitation challenges.

He added that approximately 1,600 houses in informal settlements were in the process of being electrified, with a further 1,500 households expected to benefit during the next cycle.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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