Numerous residents in the City of Tshwane, particularly in Hammanskraal, voice discontent with the governance of the Democratic Alliance (DA), citing concerns about inadequate service delivery and an unequal focus on suburban areas over townships. Complaints center around the perceived neglect of essential services such as water supply, roads, electricity, economic opportunities, and safety by the DA-led local government.
Residents assert that the situation has worsened since the DA assumed office three years ago, and they criticize the party for not adequately addressing the needs of townships. Some express disappointment with the governance style, emphasizing that their expectations regarding essential services and community well-being are not being met.
A resident, choosing to remain anonymous, highlights the unbearable state of services under the DA, citing increased crime rates and asserting that townships are particularly affected by insufficient service delivery. Reference is made to the recent visit of the President to Mamelodi, where visible sanitation issues prompted a acknowledgment of governance challenges in Tshwane.
The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal last year, attributed to neglect and lack of maintenance at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant, further adds to the residents’ concerns. Despite efforts to communicate grievances to the municipality, residents claim that their pleas have not been adequately addressed.
Mayor Cilliers Brink responds to criticism, stating that the City is in discussions to upgrade the wastewater plant and resolve the water crisis. He counters President Ramaphosa’s critique, redirecting attention to broader national issues such as load shedding, land grabs, and economic challenges.
Similar sentiments are echoed by residents in other municipalities, such as Thembisa in Ekurhuleni, where violent service delivery protests erupted over perceived high rates, taxes, and electricity bills. The removal of the DA mayor in Nelson Mandela Bay further reflects a trend where dissatisfaction with service delivery leads to leadership changes.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, continues to assert the party’s successful governance, particularly in Cape Town, while urging South Africans to vote for the DA. However, discontent persists among some residents who feel neglected by the party’s focus on certain areas to the detriment of others. The recent changes in leadership in various municipalities underscore the broader discontent with governance and service delivery.