Municipal workers downed tools in early September, demanding Dimakatso Modise’s removal after tensions escalated when she allegedly sought to dismiss the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the ailing Theunissen-based municipality.

The municipal workers union Samwu has since backed the workers, who insist the mayor should step down. The disruption has led to a halt in essential services, including waste collection, water supply, and road maintenance, with devastating effects on the community.

Masilonyana DA Cllr Brunhilde Rossouw said service delivery has been at a standstill since 10 September. “Raw sewage is flowing through homes, water supply is erratic, and residents are living in distress.”

Municipal worker Jacobus de Jager expressed his frustration. He claimed the strike was politically motivated and unfairly impacting the community. “The union has closed the water supply and even (halted) funeral services.

“This is worse than apartheid; people can’t bury their loved ones. It’s unlawful and unfair towards the community, who did nothing wrong to the municipality.”

He criticised the union’s approach, saying law enforcement agencies like the Special Investigating Unit or the Hawks should rather be contacted to investigate any issues with the CFO or mayor.

Meanwhile, Rossouw said the municipality’s financial department is in disarray. System failures prevent revenue collection and staff can’t assist residents with queries dating back to as long ago as 2015.

Meter readings aren’t being captured, making it even more difficult for residents to resolve billing issues. Meanwhile, the municipality’s lack of communication has frustrated residents, with phones allegedly going unanswered when problems are reported.

Masilonyana has been grappling with financial mismanagement for years, which has led to the current crisis. The SIU recently initiated investigations into allegations of maladministration and misconduct.

Adding to its woes, the municipality was ordered to pay a substantial settlement to former legal adviser Itumeleng Mogaesho after he won a legal battle related to unfair dismissal.

Brandfort, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, and Winburg are part of the Masilonyana municipality.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg