The FF Plus condemns the ongoing disruption and violence affecting Lichtenburg residents since Monday 18 July 2022, after fighting ANC factions plunged the town into sheer chaos.
The ANC’s political infighting in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality (Lichtenburg, Coligny and Bakerville) has been paralysing service delivery in the area for a long time.
This week’s events, however, have taken on a new and much more dangerous dimension. During the first clash between the factions this past Monday, shots were fired in the town’s CBD and one of the Municipality’s security guards was fatally wounded.
The violence reportedly erupted after a ruling by the court last Friday, which found that Mr Tsietsie Shema was unlawfully appointed as municipal manager by the Mayor, Moabi Thebeyagae, and must vacate the position.
On Monday, supporters of Shema and Thebeyagae marched to the Municipality in the centre of town and prevented the lawfully appointed Ms Josephine Ledwaba from fulfilling her role as municipal manager.
At present, there is no sign of service delivery in the Municipality, and residents and municipal officials live in fear due to the unprecedented level of violence in their community. All because ANC factions are vying for access to the Municipality’s resources and funds.
The FF Plus has continually been in contact with North West’s MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Ms Lena Miga, and the provincial police authorities, demanding that the situation must be brought under control.
It is an absolute disgrace that the ruling ANC has fallen into such a state of greed that its infighting for community funds and assets has resulted in bloodshed and the loss of life.
The people of the North West deserve better than the ANC.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Fanie du Toit on FF Plus
