Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Freddy Sonakile
The DA has written to the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maree, calling for urgent national intervention to assist the residents of Makhubung in Mahikeng who are still waiting for the most basic sign of dignity, electricity. The DA has also assisted residents in petitioning the North West Provincial Legislature so they can appear before the Legislature, alongside Eskom and the Municipality, to finally confront this injustice head-on.
For over seven years, this community has lived in complete darkness, a daily violation of their constitutional rights and a damning indictment of failed service delivery.
During a meeting with Makhubung residents last week, they shared their deep frustration, anger, and exhaustion. Many have been forced to live under dangerous and undignified conditions, cooking with firewood and walking along dark streets. Their pleas to the Mahikeng Local Municipality and Eskom have gone unanswered, while officials continue to blame “capacity constraints” without offering any solutions. (See pictures here, here, here, here, and here.)
To make matters worse, their concerns were dismissed by a local ward councillor who branded them “rogue” for daring to demand basic services. The electrification of their area was once included in the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), but it has since vanished without explanation.
The people of Makhubung deserve more than words on Freedom Day. They deserve action, justice, and the simple dignity of light.