By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 September 2025- The Afrika Mayibuye Movement in the North West said it welcomes, albeit cautiously, the national government’s decisive intervention in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The movement said this action, which includes the expected appointment of a new mayor and speaker, is a crucial step toward restoring stability and service delivery for the people of Ditsobotla.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement provincial spokesperson, spokesperson Lefa Mlungisi Chakela said the crisis in Ditsobotla has been a source of great concern for them and the community. Chakela said the ongoing political instability, financial mismanagement and complete breakdown of basic services have had a severe impact on the lives and dignity of their people.
“The municipality’s failure to address its over R1.6 billion in unpaid creditors and its default on payments to essential service providers like Eskom is unacceptable. We stand with the residents who have been living without reliable water, electricity and waste management.
“The failure of the previous provincial intervention under Section 139(5) of the Constitution underscores the need for a stronger, more direct approach from the national government,” he said.
Chakela further said the invocation of Section 139(7) is a necessary measure to assume control and implement a comprehensive financial recovery plan. He added that their support for the new leadership is conditional on their commitment to tangible change.
“We expect the incoming mayor and speaker to act with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast resolve to curb corruption, reverse irregular appointments, and prioritize the needs of the community. The new leadership must focus on implementing the financial recovery plan in collaboration with the national treasury and the multi-disciplinary team deployed by Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.
“The people of Ditsobotla cannot be held hostage by political infighting. The time for empty promises is over. The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, as we prepare ourselves to contest municipalities in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), will be watching closely,” said Chakela.
The Guardian 