FREE STATE – The ongoing failures within the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the municipalities under its jurisdiction are a cause for deep concern.
The DA has stated that the ANC-led administration has demonstrated a “shocking lack of governance, accountability, and political will.
Free State municipalities are drowning in debt, with Matjhabeng owing a staggering R8,7 billion to Eskom whilst Dihlabeng’s debt has surpassed R1,3 billion. David Mc Kay, DA Spokesperson for CoGTA in the Free State Legislature, says this financial mismanagement has led to forced load reductions, leaving resident without power and businesses unable to operate effectively.
Infrastructure collapse
The situation has been further exacerbated by the collapse of water infrastructure, particularly evident in Ladybrand, where the water treatment plant has failed. This has resulted in untreated water being released into households, exposing residents to severe health risks.
Despite an allocation of R8 million for refurbishment of the facility, the project remains incomplete, allegedly due to corruption and negligence.
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Political interference undermines operations
Political interference has further crippled municipal operations, according to the DA. Key positions remain vacant for extended periods, with appointments often made based on political loyalty rather than merit—a practice the party claims is prevalent in Mangaung and Matjhabeng.
This alleged discrimination undermines principles of equality and fairness, fostering division and resentment among communities whilst creating a lack of skilled leadership that exacerbates the collapse of governance structures.
Culture of impunity
The Department’s inability to enforce consequence management has allegedly fostered a culture of impunity, where irregular and wasteful expenditure goes unpunished. The DA points to the Free State CoGTA’s failure to investigate billions in irregular spending, as highlighted in Auditor-General reports.
The party claims that the ANC’s prioritisation of political survival over service delivery has transformed municipalities into “breeding grounds for corruption and incompetence.”
The demands
The Democratic Alliance has outlined immediate action required to address these failures:
- Consequence Management: Hold officials accountable for financial mismanagement and service delivery failures
- Infrastructure Repairs: Prioritise completion of critical projects, such as the Reitz Water Purification Plant and restoration of electricity infrastructure in Metsimaholo
- Debt Management: Ring-fence revenue from electricity and water services to settle debts and maintain infrastructure
- Transparent Governance: Eliminate political interference and ensure merit-based appointments in municipal management
Commitment to change
“The DA will continue to fight for the dignity and rights of residents in the Free State,” the party stated. “We call on the provincial government to act decisively and restore accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery.”
The party concluded that residents of the Free State deserve better governance and pledged to “lead the charge for change” in rebuilding municipalities and securing “a brighter future for all.”
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