The Free State Shutdown Movement in the Mangaung region is planning a complete shutdown of numerous towns across the province for Wednesday (11/9) over the lack of service delivery by municipalities, a crippled health system, and numerous other issues.

“We have at least 27 towns that are going to shut down,” said Mangaung Service Delivery Forum chairperson Potso Motoko, adding that several organisations and community members are organising the shutdown.

It aims to showcase the residents’ frustration with municipalities practicing nepotism and corruption, which has led to poor service delivery and suffering communities.

Mangaung Metro Municipality. Photo: Katleho Morapela

“The Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) workers will be at work and it will be business as usual for the municipality. The shutdown is not a threat to the municipality and the MMM is working with the South African Police Service to ensure the safety of the community,” said metro spokersperson Qondile Khedama.

They want to ensure their demands are met and “that the president takes our plight seriously”, said Shutdown Movement secretary Tumelo Mafereka. “We demand jobs for all, housing and title deeds, clean and reliable drinking water … effective service delivery, hiring of security officers, professional nurses, community health workers, and support for early childhood development centres, among others.

“The programmes we are implementing are ongoing until we achieve economic stability, jobs for our communities, and effective service delivery,” he added.

Qondile Khedama, spokesperson for the Mangaung Metro Municipality. Photo: Bloemfontein Courant

The movement also accused the government of nepotism when appointing officials. Meanwhile, “our health system is collapsing; we lack doctors, cleaners, and porters. Our people are angry and demand change,” he added.

Mafereka also issued a warning to those protecting drug dealers, illegal immigrants, foreigners working in non-scarce skills jobs, businesses selling illicit products, and government and municipal officials involved in nepotism and corruption.

“We’re prepared to die for our freedom and in defence of our province. If you are taking protection fees from foreigners and criminals and dare to stop the shutdown, know that we will hunt you down even after it concludes.”

The movement requests that everyone inform their employees, learners, tenants, neighbours, and others about the planned action.

OFM News/Heidrè Malgas mvh