Residents of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West have criticised all government spheres for failing to render essential services to the communities in Mahikeng on Thursday, during the Provincial Legislature program of taking the Legislature to the People.
The Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality had experienced several service delivery protests as disgruntled communities took to the streets barricading roads with burning debris, vandalising infrastructure and preventing learners going to school.
Tshepiso Matladi from Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality said the department should increase its support program with supplements; livestock and equipment as more people are into farming due to poor economic conditions after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our tribal authorities have land and farms that can be utilised to empower the youth to eradicate poverty and unemployment but the government is slow in its support initiatives. Small crop farmers within rural communities are often overlooked but have the potential to support food security initiatives by the government,” Matladi said.
Magdeline Serwe from Ratlou Local Municipality said in a bid to address the challenge of unemployment, the Department of Economic Development must educate and train youth in communities that have mining capabilities.
“The government should work with potential investors to ensure that our people are taken to mining schools so that they can also empower themselves and be employed. Mining companies can then be brought to our communities where there are mining prospects,” said Serwe.
Alice Tuelo of Ditsobotla Local Municipality raised concerns about the procedure of issuing liquor-related business licences.
“Tavern owners are abusing their liquor licences as they operate 24 hours in Bodibe Village and there are instances where people have been killed in those outlets. We must be consulted before the licences are issued as taverns are opened next to schools and churches. We have taverns located next to schools and churches we call on the government’s intervention on this matter,” said.
Motlapele Sejamoholo from Mahikeng said: “I come from a small village here in Mahikeng called Dube, our village is really cursed. We don’t have water or electricity. These basic services are a luxury for us. When we get our Sassa pensioners grants we buy food only for it to rot in the freezers because of power outages.
“We don’t have roads when it rains, roads in our villages become a disaster. What happened to the Batho Pele Principles, when people are just disregarded even when they approach the government offices for assistance?, ” she said.
MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said her department will continue supporting small emerging farmers and has engaged the Minister of Electricity to exempt farmers from load shedding as it affects farming for food security in the province.
“We are seeking intervention for our farmers to be accepted from load shedding like the department of health facilities because farmers need water for their plants and electricity is needed for chickens.
“Furthermore, the department will meet the Department of Land Reform to address the conflict between CPAs and communities on land issues. Our program on supporting small crop farmers within villages will be intensified in Ratlou and Tswaing Local Municipalities in this district.”
When responding to the financial challenges at the municipalities the Department of Finance MEC, Motlalepula Rosho said the department together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has sent joint intervention teams to municipalities for support on financial recovery and revenue enhancement.
A member of the legislature chairing the gathering, Aaron Motswana, said a report will be consolidated from the sitting.
“They are going to be tabled in the Legislature and become the resolution of the house. It is only at that particular level, when all processes have been completed that we will start to call people to appear before the legislature’s committees and ensure accountability for those failing to fulfil their duties,” Motswana said.
The session forms part of the legislature’s mandate of section 118 of the Constitution to facilitate public involvement.
