LICHTENBURG, NORTH WEST PROVINCE — The Ditsobotla Local Municipality continues to grapple with profound service delivery issues, ranging from erratic water supply and crime to unstable electricity, even as residents participate in a crucial two-day voter registration weekend.
Across the North West Province, 1,730 voter registration stations were expected to be operational over the weekend. However, the civic exercise has been marked by logistical hurdles and a relatively slow turnout. At stations such as MK Rampine Primary School and a local Pentecostal church in Blydeville—a township frequently identified as a focal point for service delivery protests—movement remained sluggish. Compounding the logistical challenges, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) noted that 16 voter registration stations nationally were not operational during the drive.
The slow voter participation occurs against a backdrop of deep-seated community frustration. Residents in the region have frequently taken to the streets to protest inadequate basic services, often directing their anger at local councillors who are perceived as not putting enough effort into securing adequate services.
Addressing these concerns, Ward 4 Councillor Thapelo Sehemo for the Ditsobotla Local Municipality provided insight into the ongoing struggles and the systemic bottlenecks hindering progress in Blydeville.
Speaking on his tenure, Councillor Sehemo acknowledged that upon his arrival, the community faced severe water and electricity shortages, alongside new housing extensions lacking underground water and sewer infrastructure. He noted some recent improvements, stating that water is now running three to four days a week, thanks to interventions by municipal leadership. Furthermore, he reported that the electricity supply has stabilized, though uneven distribution due to circuit breaker issues remains a challenge as the municipality works to energize more households.
Despite these incremental gains, the councillor admitted that significant developmental aspects remain stalled. He cited a lack of progress regarding road infrastructure, the unblocking of the community hall, and the finalization of RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) housing. According to Councillor Sehemo, the stagnation is largely due to a lack of proper facilitation between the local municipality and higher spheres of government.
When pressed on accountability for these perceived failures, Councillor Sehemo shifted the focus to provincial and national government departments. He explained that critical projects are funded and managed outside the local municipality’s direct control. For instance, RDP housing allocations fall under the provincial government, road improvements are funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), and bulk water connections are managed by the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and the national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
“I get to be blamed for people who are sitting with money and a funded budget that should make sure that we live to realize and give people services,” Councillor Sehemo stated, emphasizing that the provincial government holds the fully funded budget required to execute these mandates.
The municipality is also facing a massive revenue collection crisis, with total municipal debt reportedly sitting at R1.4 billion. While recent national interventions highlighted that councillors themselves owe the municipality approximately R13 million in rent, Councillor Sehemo pointed out that the largest debtors are actually provincial departments, including Education and Public Works.
Furthermore, the municipality struggles with unmeasured consumption. Councillor Sehemo highlighted that Blydeville’s electricity is supplied directly by the municipality rather than Eskom, yet the area lacks smart meters for both water and electricity. Without proper smart meter auditing, the municipality cannot accurately bill for consumption or curb electricity theft and water losses. He confirmed that applications have been made to the national and provincial treasury to enroll in a smart meter program to address these losses and ensure residents pay for the services they receive.
Despite the administrative and financial hurdles, Councillor Sehemo maintains that his academic background—which includes a higher certificate in public management and a diploma in policing—along with his previous experience as a speaker, equips him to navigate these complex governance challenges. He emphasizes that continuous community engagement, relationship building, and transparent communication remain his primary tools for managing resident expectations while awaiting broader governmental intervention, as residents continue to make their voices heard at local stations like MK Rampine Primary School.
