Opposition parties in North West have sharply criticised the ANC-led provincial government's Thuntsa Lerole programme.

The DA and EFF leaders in the Provincial Legislature have accused the programme, aimed at accelerating service delivery, of being nothing more but a money-making scheme for those with proximity to the ANC-led government. Freddy Sonakile, DA leader in the Provincial Legislature, said residents are often more frustrated and angry. During a debate on a notice of motion on the programme on Tuesday (17/10), Sonakile said the ANC is taking residents for fools and has shown double standards. “Those who were criticising a programme of the former Premier Supra Mahumapelo, called Setsokotsane, are the ones today advocating for the Thuntsa Lerole programme.”  

Sonakile said often after the service delivery programme was concluded, residents would again immediately face similar challenges initially reported by residents. He referred to the water issues troubling residents of Maquassi Hillis Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

 Meanwhile, EFF Leader at the legislature, Shakes Botswe, said the programme has not brought tangible solutions to many residents of the province since its implementation. However, ANC member of the legislature Aaron Motswana took a swipe at the opposition parties during the debate. He said the parties were under an illusion that criticising the ANC would lead to the collapse of the ANC.

The Thuntsa Lerole programme is aimed at responding to service delivery challenges in a coordinated and integrated approach, provincial departments, national departments based in North West, the local and district municipalities, as well as state-owned entities in the province will provide public services, which include amongst others, patching of potholes, agricultural support services, application for IDs and social support services, SMME support services, and the registration of indigents.

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane