DA raises alarm over disputes disabling Madibeng emergency and services vehicles

08 Sep 2025 in Press Statements

Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Madibeng has written to the Municipal Manager following serious allegations that several essential municipal vehicles — including fire brigade trucks, ambulances, sewage and sanitation vehicles, as well as refuse removal trucks — have been out of operation for more than a month. (see letter here.)

These failures stem from a dispute and non-payment between the Municipality and the company responsible for vehicle tracking. Even more alarming are allegations that fire brigade vehicles have been remotely switched off while in use by operators.

This situation is totally unacceptable and poses a direct threat to public safety and health. Emergency vehicles are the lifeline of our community, they must be able to respond to fires, accidents, water and sanitation crises, and refuse collection at all times.

If these allegations prove true, the Municipality is in violation of its constitutional and statutory obligations, including:

  • Section 152 and 153 of the Constitution require municipalities to ensure the sustainable provision of services.
  • The Municipal Systems Act, which obligates municipalities to prioritise the basic needs of residents.
  • The Disaster Management Act, which requires readiness and capacity to prevent and respond to disasters.

The DA has demanded from the Municipal Manager:

  1. Immediate confirmation of the operational status of all emergency and essential service vehicles.
  2. A written action plan within 5 working days to restore full service delivery.
  3. A guarantee that no emergency or essential vehicle will ever again be rendered inoperable due to administrative or contractual disputes.

Should these allegations be confirmed and not rectified immediately, the DA will escalate the matter to the Provincial and National Government, the Public Protector, and, if necessary, the courts.

The DA will not stand by while residents’ lives are endangered by municipal mismanagement and administrative failures. The safety and well-being of the people of Madibeng must come first.