Residents of Matjhabeng are being let down daily by a municipality more focused on summits, Imbizos, pipe-dream project launches, and PR stunts than on actual service delivery. While the Mayor moves from one event to the next, boasting about “fixing Matjhabeng”, the lived reality tells a different story.
Residents go without water for days. Raw sewage flows through streets and private properties. Potholes are left unattended, streetlights stay broken, and critical infrastructure continues to decay.
Meanwhile, public funds are spent on promotional events to boost the mayor’s image instead of addressing urgent community needs.
“Since the mayor’s return in April, an already struggling municipality has spiralled into complete dysfunction. The failed ‘Project Patala’ resulted in paying residents and businesses being disconnected from electricity, triggering legal battles that will cost the municipality dearly,” says Maxie Badenhorst, DA councillor in Ward 3.
“Whatever revenue was gained has been squandered on talk shows and image campaigns. Residents receive water outage notices at 21:30, long after the supply was already cut at 17:00. This is not just negligent; it’s deeply disrespectful. There’s no accountability or consequence management because comrades are protected.
“If you’re part of the ruling party, you’re untouchable. Opposition councillors are deliberately sidelined. Meeting notices arrive less than 12 hours before sessions, often during working hours, to prevent part-time councillors from participating and asking difficult questions.”
Badenhorst says her party has become the unofficial municipal call centre.
“We respond to residents, investigate issues, and even use our funds to buy taps or meters to stop water loss. Municipal officials, however, are too busy attending events with the mayor, ignoring reports from ward councillors and failing to act on repeated issues,” she says.
In Karel Crause Street, Hennenman, a resident has lived for months surrounded by sewage. Businesses are closing due to blocked sewer lines and unbearable stench. In Phomolong, residents report monthly sewage problems, but no action is taken. The so-called “war room” for service complaints is a complete failure. Reports go in, but no feedback comes out.
“It’s time for real leadership and service, not self-congratulation. If the mayor believes he’s doing well, let him prove it with results: reliable water, working sanitation systems, infrastructure repair, and accountability. The residents of Matjhabeng are tired of speeches and photo opportunities. We demand action, transparency, and leadership that works for the people.”
In Hertzog Street, also in Hennenman, in front of a second-hand shop and the Savanna Pub and Grill, a sewerage situation resulted in the restaurant cancelling a breakfast booking because the smell was unbearable.
“This has been going on for months. The municipality does temporary fixes that last for a day or two then the spillage is back.”
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