The troubled municipality recently made headlines as workers launched a prolonged strike demanding the resignation of mayor Dimakatso Modise, citing an unresolved conflict between her and the chief financial officer.

The weeks-long strike severely impacted essential services, as employees withheld labour, demanding Modise to step down. Samwu rallied behind workers, with Lejweleputswa regional chairperson, Tshepo Kobane, asserting the union’s support for the call to remove Modise.

During a meeting in the Theunissen town hall on 20 September, Kobane said the ANC leadership in Lejweleputswa stated the decision regarding Modise’s position ultimately lies with the ANC Free State Provincial Executive Committee. Workers have ultimately returned to work, awaiting the PEC ruling on Modise’s future.

In an interview with OFM News, ANC provincial secretary-general Polediso Motsoeneng clarified the party’s stance, noting that many of the issues raised by workers are unrelated to Modise’s duties as mayor.

“We have met with some of the workers, and the issues they are raising are not solely within the purview of the mayor,” said Motsoeneng. “There are administrative concerns which need to be addressed by the municipality’s administration to resolve legitimate grievances and ensure progress on worker issues.”

Amidst the turmoil in Masilonyana, the Free State high court in Bloemfontein has ordered a private contractor overseeing water services to return the municipal pump station’s keys to the municipality and reinstall vital equipment. The contractor has allegedly removed crucial components, leaving residents without water supply for days.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg