The movement’s head of communications, Mmutlanyana Sekete, says they acknowledge a memorandum that was handed to them by the community of Harrismith during a march on Monday 19 September 2022.

He says though the community was mostly enraged by the recent electricity crisis, they addressed other issues of concern as well.

“Actually, as we are the new administration, though we are nine months in power, we inherited that municipality, which actually collapsed. But we are starting to get things in place, hence the major deal is the one between Eskom and the municipality. This is the main priority.”

Sekete says they have initiated a way forward to have roads fixed, which are currently in very bad conditions.

He also adds revenue collection will be well managed, and municipality officials who play critical roles will be appointed, as they have already appointed two new directors.

OFM News previously reported that Eskom was to discuss intervention at Maluti-a-Phofung municipality.

Meanwhile, MAP16 speaker Paratlane Motloung said the new administration restarted the process of discussions to have Eskom assist the municipality after the 2021 local government elections, which initially started under the previous administration before the elections.

The Maluti-A-Phofung municipality was also handed over to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) for investigation. This, after it was identified as one of the worst performing municipalities nationwide. Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke stated that the municipality could not provide evidence of most financial transactions for the past financial year.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi