MAFUBE – Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Mafube Local Municipality (MLM) could ensure that communities receive consistent access to water, proper road maintenance, and functional sewage systems.
These services have all collapsed due to years of mismanagement and financial neglect. Residents of MLM are growing increasingly frustrated as they continue to face poor service delivery whilst municipal employees remain uncertain about their salaries.
Service delivery deterioration
Basic services such as water, road repairs, and sewage maintenance have deteriorated significantly across the municipality.
“Yet, the municipality continues to host mayoral imbizos and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) events rather than addressing urgent community needs,” says Councillor Suzette Steyn.
Salary crisis deepens
She said the acting municipal manager, Jamela Selapyane, recently expressed “sincere regret” for the delay in salary payments but failed to provide a payment date for October 2025 salaries.
“Rumours that salaries for October, November, and December will only be paid once the equitable share is received in December have left employees anxious. Labour unions have already started demonstrations on Friday, 7 November, and the municipality closed their doors at 12:00 on that day,” she said.
Despite assurances that efforts are being made to resolve financial problems, invoices for services rendered have only been distributed since 5 November.
Community crisis examples
In Villiers, two private companies stepped in to supply purification chemicals after the town was left without water for three days.
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In Ntswanasatsi, residents have been without water for three weeks due to a broken tanker, whilst in Frankfort, sewage leaks and water repairs are delayed because a municipal service vehicle is out of order.
Managers claim worker absences are worsening service delays, though the acting municipal manager insists she is unaware of any strike.
PPP solutions repeatedly rejected
“We maintain that partnerships with the private sector are crucial for sustainable service delivery. However, Mafube’s management has repeatedly refused to enter into Public–Private Partnerships, despite multiple negotiations,” Steyn said.
A Section 139 intervention led by Thomas Mkhaza in 2022 sought to establish collaboration between the municipality and the Mafube Business Forum (MBF).
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The proposed agreement aimed to promote corruption-free governance, financial sustainability, and efficient service delivery.
Free support offer declined
Rural Free State, a service provider, even offered free support for one year, including auditing water metres, training staff, and improving the billing system.
Yet, management under both former administrator Advocate Mothusi Lepheana and current acting municipal manager Selapyane rejected the plan, opting instead to hire multiple consultants at additional cost.
Steyn says the Democratic Alliance (DA) highlights the municipality’s lack of accountability, transparency, and financial management as root causes of its ongoing collapse.
“We reiterate our mission to fix dysfunctional municipalities, end corruption, and ensure affordable, reliable services for all residents,” she said.
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