They demand that the municipality’s administrator, Steven Kau, be removed from his position. It is alleged that he is responsible for the municipalities financial woes and that its failure to pay salaries and third parties sparked the ordeal, which saw employees cutting off water supply to communities. The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in the province has, however, refuted allegations that Masilonyana municipal members are behind the taps that have ran dry in four towns within the municipality.

 The Samwu provincial secretary, Thabang Tseuoa, previously told OFM News that Masilonyana has a long history of water challenges, and that it is unfair to blame water cuts in some parts on the union’s members. This municipality is also among those that owe Eskom billions. Municipalities in the Free State collectively owe the power utility over R7.8 billion, which is the highest amount owed by municipalities throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the Masilonyana Municipality is yet to respond to OFM News’ enquiries.

OFM News