Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Imaan Sayed Suliman
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality urgently calls on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and law enforcement to intervene and restore order at the municipality.
Despite previous interventions, the situation remains unchanged. At a recent SCOPA joint committee sitting, it was confirmed that the safety of municipal staff is still at risk due to an illegal security company that has effectively taken over the municipality. These guards are camping out at municipal premises, intimidating staff, and creating a hostile working environment.
On 25 August 2025, the Municipal Manager, Mr Mokgatlhe, issued a directive for all staff to return to work by 27 August 2025. Yet many, including the Municipal Manager and Directors themselves, failed to do so due to legitimate fears for their safety. Only junior staff have attempted to work, but they often leave when intimidation escalates. The municipality is therefore operating with skeleton staff, leaving residents without essential services.
The DA condemns the Municipal Manager’s failure to protect his staff. His inability to act decisively, combined with ongoing ANC factional battles, has left municipal employees vulnerable and the community abandoned.
We call for:
- The immediate eviction of the illegal security guards from municipal property.
- Law enforcement to guarantee the safety of staff and restore normal operations.
- CoGTA to intervene decisively and ensure accountability for the ongoing governance collapse.
The residents of Ramotshere Moiloa cannot continue to suffer because of ANC infighting and municipal mismanagement. The DA will continue to fight for their right to safe, functioning local government and reliable service delivery.