Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Sesotho by Paseka Keke Molutsi
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana is calling for accountability over the municipality’s decision to sign a completion certificate for the failed Philemon Masinga Sports Complex project in Khuma, Ward 31, which remains unusable for the community. This decision highlights serious incompetence and disregard for proper oversight.
The project, initially registered for R54 million and later adjusted to R67.3 million, was marred by poor planning and underperformance by contractors and consultants. Oralia and Likhanyile failed to execute their duties as per the project scope, resulting in a wasteful R12 million. Despite this, the municipality moved forward with phase two of the project, appointing new contractors, KKS wealth and VNMM consulting engineering, to clean up from phase one without holding the initial service providers accountable.
The municipality’s incompetence became further evident when the incomplete multipurpose centre was used as an examination venue for 195 Grade 12 learners from Borakanelo Secondary School in 2024. This decision, which violated policies including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, endangered the lives of learners, teachers, and Department of Education officials.
In addition, the office of the Executive Mayor, led by Councillor Fikile Mahlophe, planned to spend R940,000 to host the Mayoral Cup finals at the failed facility on December 7, 2024. The DA would like to highlight the findings from an oversight visit conducted by the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC) members, the Project Management Unit (PMU) and relevant user departments on the 14th of November 2024. During the visit, it was evident that the project remains far from completion.
Adding to the concern, North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi hosted the Thuntsa Lerole program at the same site, ignoring the project’s defects and showing lack of respect for the Khuma community. This oversight raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the need of its constituents.
The DA will continue to fight for completed projects that meet the required standards of quality and safety, ensuring that the residents of Khuma and Matlosana receive the facilities they deserve.