Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Sean Trautmann
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks is deeply alarmed by the shocking state of key municipal facilities, most notably the Town Hall, alongside the Madiba Banquet Hall and the Municipal Library. Once symbols of civic pride, these buildings have been left to deteriorate into unsafe and hazardous spaces due to years of neglect and poor maintenance.
The Town Hall, in particular, now stands as a stark reminder of ANC mismanagement. Photos taken during oversight visits show leaking roofs, collapsing ceilings, and unsafe electrical systems that make the building a danger to both employees and residents who enter (see photos here, here, here, and here). Instead of being a safe, functional space for community gatherings, it has become a hazard zone.
After repeated requests to the Speaker’s Office for intervention went unanswered, the DA escalated the matter to the Department of Labour, which conducted a full Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspection.
The findings confirmed serious contraventions, including:
- Faulty electrical infrastructure posing a fire hazard.
- Leaking roofs and collapsing ceilings, placing lives at risk. (see photo here)
- Dysfunctional plumbing, blocked drains, and broken fittings.
- Expired or missing fire extinguishers. (see photo here)
- Lack of evacuation signage or emergency preparedness.
- Failing security measures due to broken windows and doors.
A contravention notice was issued to JB Marks Municipality on 21 July 2025, giving the municipality 60 days, until 19 September 2025, to bring these facilities into compliance with OHS regulations.
The DA will monitor this deadline closely. Failure to comply will not only expose residents and employees to continued danger but could also result in enforcement action against the municipality.
It is unacceptable that residents are denied safe, functional public facilities while ANC-run JB Marks continues to mismanage resources. The DA will continue to fight for accountability and safe, dignified facilities.