In a startling admission, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has declared that the deep-seated problems plaguing the Ditsobotla Local Municipality are beyond the provincial government’s capacity to fix and require urgent intervention from national government.
The premier’s comments came during an interview on Thursday, even as his provincial government launched the latest phase of its “Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded” service delivery initiative, aimed at proving it can address municipal failures.
When confronted with an assessment by business group Sakeliga that described Ditsobotla as the “poster child for municipal dysfunction,” Premier Mokgosi did not refute the claim.
“No, I don’t think the assessment is farfetched,” Mokgosi stated. “We are alive to that effect.”
The municipality has been crippled by political instability, including the farcical situation of having two rival mayors, a matter currently before the courts. Mokgosi acknowledged the political wrangling but insisted his government’s focus remains on delivering services to residents who are “very angry and very unhappy.”
To that end, he outlined several provincial interventions, including:
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Monitoring a R100 million water project aimed at providing relief by September next year.
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Facilitating a service agreement between the local and district municipalities for water provision.
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Working with Eskom to take over electricity accounts to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
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Plans to electrify over 5,000 houses in areas like Blydeville and Lichtenburg by 2026.
However, despite painting a picture of progress, the premier revealed that the province had formally appealed to the national government for a multi-disciplinary takeover. He cited “element of criminality, gangster terrorism, hijacking of the municipality, [and] extortionists” as core reasons the province is overwhelmed.
“The problem… is beyond the province. The province has done its part; we need assistance of national government,” Mokgosi said. He confirmed that a proposal for national intervention is being prepared for cabinet and that his administration fully supports it, suggesting the need for a security cluster response involving the Hawks and police.
The plea for help underscores the severe challenges in a municipality that has become synonymous with collapse. With local government elections less than a year away, the pressure is on for both the provincial and national administrations to demonstrate tangible progress and restore basic services to the residents of Ditsobotla.
