The ANC in the Free State said the attachment of its assets will negatively affect the delivery of quality services to the people of Welkom. “The Provincial Executive Committee will work closely with our regional structure in the Lejweleputswa Region and all ANC Councillors in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to support the efforts already taken to address this situation,” said the party’s provincial spokesperson Jabu Mbalula.

The municipality had its fleet worth R41 million attached last week due to owing multiple service providers over R200 million. “The ANC has noted with concern that 24 vehicles belonging to the municipality’s yellow fleet have recently been attached by the Welkom Sheriff.” Matjhabeng happens to be the second-largest municipality in the province, and its financial woes worry the governing party.  

The municipality, facing numerous challenges, experienced a significant setback on Friday when the Bloemfontein High Court rejected its urgent court request to reverse an attachment order on its movable assets.

The attachment of assets will negatively affect the delivery of quality services to the people of Welkom. Photo supplied

The DA’s George Michalakis said they are requesting the SIU to investigate the municipality’s finances. On top of their debt to service providers, worth millions, the municipality also owes Eskom R5 billion and the Water Board R5.7 billion.

“The DA’s motion – adopted by all parties represented in the NCOP – calls upon President Ramaphosa to proclaim an SIU investigation into the municipality’s finances, as well as calling on the Provincial Executive to immediately intervene with regards to the finances of the municipality in terms of section 139(5) of the Constitution, by appointing an administrator to oversee the finance department.”

A total of 24 vehicles belonging to the municipality’s yellow fleet have recently been attached by the Welkom Sheriff. Photo supplied

AfriForum has since sent the Provincial Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, a letter requesting his urgent intervention in the municipality. Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum's Head for the Central Region, said they request the provincial government to offer financial assistance to the already struggling municipality to ensure that basic services can still be rendered. “The taxpayers are the ones who are most disadvantaged and will suffer greatly if the matter is not resolved.”

"People who regularly pay their municipal bills and taxes will be the worst affected due to a lack of service delivery. Without the assets, among other things, no garbage can be removed, leaks repaired or sewage pipes unblocked. Towns in the Matjhabeng Municipality have sewage flowing into streets and plots, and now residents will be able to do even less to prevent this.”

OFM News/Tshehla Koteli