The Executive Mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt), Nhlakanipho Zuma, attempted to paint an unrealistic picture of apparent progress and great achievements in this municipality during his State of the Municipality Address.
This is a misrepresentation, as the harsh reality on the ground shows that thousands of residents experience the devastating consequences of years of mismanagement, financial decay, and poor service delivery daily.
The municipality is stuck in a financial swamp, with Eskom debt amounting to approximately R6.7 billion and Rand Water debt totalling more than R888.9 million.
Compounding this is decaying infrastructure, sewage flooding the streets, water crises, staff shortages, and an unfunded budget. This is clearly not the success story presented by the Mayor.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is particularly concerned about the Mayor’s admission that service delivery came to a standstill in the past simply because employees failed to do their jobs. It is unacceptable for communities to literally be held hostage by a culture of poor work ethic, a lack of accountability, and inadequate management.
Taxpayers who faithfully pay their rates and taxes deserve visible results, not empty promises. They deserve clean streets, a reliable electricity and water supply, and a local government that chooses solutions over excuses.
The Freedom Front Plus will formally request the council to conduct a comprehensive service delivery audit and accountability review, and insists on immediate disciplinary action where officials neglect their duties.
The Freedom Front Plus remains the voice of residents who are tired of excuses and ready for accountability.
On 4 November, residents have the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus to secure a local government that puts honesty, accountability, and real service delivery first.
A vote for the Freedom Front Plus is a vote for clean streets, reliable services, and a municipality that serves its people.
