Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Theo Gerber
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Lekwa–Teemane has stepped up oversight and community engagement efforts amid ongoing failures by the municipality to respond to critical infrastructure and service delivery challenges.
During a site visit, the DA assessed the collapse of two Eskom electricity poles, which have severely disrupted supply and created significant safety risks for the surrounding community (see photos here and here). This incident once again highlights the consequences of poor infrastructure maintenance and the absence of proactive intervention.
The DA also attended a Sewer Treatment Plant meeting, where serious concerns were raised regarding operational failures, maintenance backlogs, and compliance risks. The continued deterioration of sewer infrastructure poses a direct threat to public health and the environment.
In addition, direct engagement with residents confirmed growing frustration over persistent service delivery failures and slow municipal response times. Communities are increasingly being left without answers while conditions continue to worsen.
At a separate engagement with the Department of Water and Sanitation, key issues relating to water services, infrastructure performance, and compliance were raised.
Notably, these critical engagements took place in the absence of broader municipal leadership.
At a time when decisive action is required, the lack of participation by responsible officials reflects a concerning failure of accountability and a lack of urgency.
The DA rejects any attempt to deflect from this reality. Oversight is not about political point-scoring, it is about showing up, engaging, and ensuring that residents’ concerns are addressed.
Where others are absent, the DA is present.
Where others remain silent, the DA raises issues directly with the relevant authorities.
Where others deflect, the DA acts.
The DA Lekwa–Teemane Constituency remains committed to sustained oversight, transparent engagement, and holding all spheres of government accountable for service delivery failures.
Residents deserve leadership that works, not leadership that disappears when it matters most.