Municipal grants mismanaged whilst sacred sites become cattle grazing fields
MASILONYANA – Urgent steps need to be taken to ensure that cemeteries in Masilonyana Local Municipality are fenced, cleaned, and adequately maintained, thereby restoring dignity and respect to the resting places of loved ones.
“We will engage the municipal manager and the Technical Services Department to implement immediate corrective measures and hold those responsible for neglect accountable,” says Cllr. Ernest Putsoenyane, DA Councillor Masilonyana Municipality.
Sacred sites become grazing fields
Masilonyana continues to face growing public outrage over the appalling condition of cemeteries across several townships. What were once sacred resting places have now become open grazing fields for cattle and sites for illegal dumping, due to the absence of proper fencing and the municipality’s neglect.
This situation represents a gross violation of the dignity of the deceased and a painful reminder of administrative shortcomings within the municipality. Communities have voiced their frustration for years, yet the conditions on the ground remain unchanged.
Grant funding mismanaged
The municipality receives conditional grants, including the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), meant to improve and maintain essential community infrastructure such as graveyard fencing, access roads, and sanitation facilities.
It is, however, deeply concerning that the municipality has repeatedly failed to utilise these funds effectively, leading to instances where the District Municipality had to intervene and take over the management of specific projects due to underperformance and underspending.
Furthermore, some MIG-funded projects remain incomplete or have experienced unjustified cost escalations, raising questions about financial accountability and project oversight.
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DA challenges funding requests
The DA has raised serious objections to the municipality’s recent requests for increased funding for some of these projects, citing exorbitant cost estimates and poor implementation.
Councillor Ernest Putsoenyane, a member of the Infrastructure Portfolio Committee, said: “I share the community’s frustration and call for immediate action and accountability.”
Four-point action plan
The committee will be engaging with the Municipal Manager and the Technical Services Department to ensure that:
- All municipal cemeteries are urgently fenced and secured to prevent further desecration
- Illegal dumping at graveyards is stopped through stricter law enforcement and community education
- A comprehensive report on all MIG-funded projects is submitted to Council, outlining expenditure, timelines, and any cost variations
- Instances of inefficiency, negligence, or misuse of conditional grants are investigated and reported to the relevant authorities
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Call for accountability
“The dignity of the deceased is a reflection of our respect for the living. Masilonyana Municipality must act decisively to restore order, respect, and accountability in the management of our public infrastructure,” the DA stated.
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