National government takes over failing Ditsobotla Municipality - again

The national government has officially placed the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under administration for the ninth time, following years of service delivery failure, financial mismanagement, and deepening political instability.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, confirmed the appointment of a six-member intervention team, citing the municipality's inability to fulfill its constitutional obligations to residents.

In his visit to the region, Hlabisa stated that no appointments or tenders will proceed without oversight from the national representative.

This drastic intervention, carried out under Section 139(7) of the Constitution, comes after numerous failed attempts by provincial authorities to stabilise the municipality, which serves thousands in and around Lichtenburg.

A specialised task force—comprising the SAPS, State Security Agency, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)—will probe longstanding allegations of fraud, corruption, and misconduct.

“Cases previously ignored will be reopened. If arrests are needed, they will happen,” Hlabisa added.

The municipality’s senior leadership, including a municipal manager accused of mismanagement, will now be under investigation, with the intervention team tasked with enforcing compliance, restoring governance, and reestablishing essential public services.

Ongoing Service Delivery Crisis Across South Africa Ditsobotla’s collapse reflects a national crisis in local government service delivery.

According to recent reports from the Auditor-General, over 80% of South Africa’s 257 municipalities are either financially distressed or struggling with poor governance.

Communities across the country face interrupted water supply, uncollected waste, pothole-ridden roads, and dysfunctional infrastructure.

Premier Lazarus Mokgosi welcomed the intervention as a new beginning but acknowledged that residents are demanding immediate, visible improvements.

However, residents want instant change.

As the country edges closer to the next local government elections, the Ditsobotla case may become a litmus test for whether national interventions can succeed where provincial and local governance have failed.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics