Frustrated residents of Masilonyana in the Free State took to the streets yesterday, demanding the immediate dissolution of their municipality amid allegations of rampant corruption, financial mismanagement, and collapsed service delivery.
The protesters marched to the Masilonyana Local Municipality offices to submit a memorandum outlining their grievances, which include 15 years without running water in some areas, sewer spillages, and a non-functional clinic that has been closed for over a year.
Years of Financial Mismanagement
The municipality has received a disclaimer of audit opinion—the worst possible audit outcome—for nine consecutive years, indicating severe financial mismanagement. The Auditor-General’s report revealed material irregularities, including a lack of financial controls, underspending on conditional grants, and failure to implement consequence management for poor performance.
Residents also highlighted that municipal property had been attached to settle debts, further crippling service delivery.
Residents Speak Out
“We are always battling water, lights—we battle everything. Service delivery is just a constant struggle,” said one resident, expressing full support for the protest.
Another resident raised concerns over sewage flooding yards, posing health risks to children. “Why do we have councillors if we have sewer spillages in our homes?” they asked.
The closure of a local clinic has forced residents, including elderly patients and young children, to travel long distances for medical care. “We have a problem with the clinic—it’s been closed for over a year,” a protester said.
Calls for Arrests and Government Intervention
Residents are demanding:
-
A full investigation into corruption and maladministration
-
The arrest of officials involved in wrongdoing
-
The dissolution of the municipality, as previously recommended by parliamentary oversight committees
-
A response to their memorandum within seven days
“The municipality has failed to protect public funds meant to improve our lives. Denying people clean water is a violation of human rights,” a community leader stated. “Why is the Free State government not intervening?”
What Next?
With the municipality still under provincial administration, residents say the only solution is to start afresh. They warn that if their demands are ignored, further protests may follow.
The Masilonyana Municipality has yet to respond publicly to the memorandum.
