Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Nelio Nhacuangue
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Rustenburg is deeply concerned that residents of Tlhabane West and Geelhout Park continue to live in darkness, with the majority of streetlights remaining dysfunctional for more than five years.
Despite ongoing complaints from residents and repeated calls by the DA for intervention, the Rustenburg Local Municipality has failed to implement meaningful repairs. While municipal officials briefly visited the area during the City at Work programme, their efforts did not result in lasting solutions, and most lights remain off.
To escalate the matter, the DA has now submitted formal correspondence to both the Director of Technical and Infrastructure Services (see attached) and the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Technical and Infrastructure (see attached), urging urgent action and demanding a clear timeline for repairs.
After counting more than 172 dysfunctional streetlights, it is clear that basic infrastructure is being neglected, and communities are being left vulnerable to crime, accidents, and unsafe living conditions.
Darkness has now become the new normal in Rustenburg. The ANC’s so-called commitment to service delivery is not just undermined, it is collapsing in plain sight.
The DA will continue to hold the municipality accountable until every streetlight in Tlhabane West and Geelhout Park is restored, and residents can once again feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.