Residents across multiple Free State municipalities are facing critical service delivery failures, from absent fire services to irregular spending on basic infrastructure and unenforced health by-laws.

Heilbron has been left without operational fire services after its only fire truck was sent for repairs with no temporary replacement provided by Ngwathe Municipality. When a fire broke out recently, residents who called for assistance were told no help was available. A second property burned down shortly after, again with no response from fire services.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a letter to the municipal manager demanding immediate deployment of a replacement vehicle and a full report on the municipality’s fire service capacity.

In Maluti-a-Phofung, the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) has written off R3.37 billion in irregular expenditure, with two major cases linked to possible corruption now referred to the HAWKS for investigation.

One case involves a R53.4 million contract awarded in 2022/23 for the installation of 5 000 VIP toilets. The contractor was paid over R10 000 each for the prefab outhouses, which require no plumbing. It appears supply chain procedures were not followed and the contract was not put out to tender. The services supplied could not be verified.

Another case concerns a R2.6 million appointment in 2023/24 for urgent electricity repairs. It was alleged that the electricity department had not submitted specifications and that the services paid for could not be verified.

Council agreed the cases should be reported for investigation in December 2024, but after five months of inaction, the DA formally requested the HAWKS investigate.

In Hobhouse, Mantsopa Local Municipality, residents of Dipelaneng and Hobhouse continue to endure an unhealthy environment affected by the stench of cattle in residential areas. Jenniffer Wium and other residents submitted a petition to the municipality around 2023/24 requesting enforcement of animal by-laws.

Threats of rape and murder

The Wium family has been subjected to threats of rape and murder by cattle herders objecting to implementation of the by-laws. Municipal officials responsible for enforcing the by-laws also fear for their lives after previous intimidation attempts.

The DA has encouraged the Wium family to open a criminal case with the South African Police Service and continues to engage with the municipality and stakeholders to facilitate a formal resolution process for by-law enforcement.

The three cases highlight systemic failures in basic municipal services affecting residents’ safety, health and quality of life.

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