Thabo Mofutsanyana, Free State – Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region took drastic action on Friday, October 18, as they forcibly occupied the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality offices. Their primary demand: immediate resolution of the ongoing water and electricity crises that have plagued the community for years.
watch the video below:
EFF regional Chairman in Thabo Mofutsanyana region Mohau Molwelwe said they're utilising maximum force to demand water and electricity in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality. Video by: Joseph Mokoaledi pic.twitter.com/ZC2hUcB0pY
— Joseph Mokoaledi (@JosephMoko25178) October 18, 2024
The protest erupted when EFF members overwhelmed security personnel to gain access to the municipal building. Once inside, they occupied the premises for several hours, filling the air with chants and songs that echoed their frustrations. Their actions created considerable disruption for municipal employees, who were unable to carry out their duties amid the uproar.
Leadership Speaks Out
Mohau Molwelwe, the EFF regional chairman, emphasized the urgency of their cause. He asserted that the municipality has failed to address the water and electricity issues, despite numerous protests and memorandums submitted to various mayors since 2014. In a passionate address to his supporters in front of the council chamber, Molwelwe declared, “We are going to sleep here until the Speaker, the mayor, and the Chief Whip provide us with a practical solution. We are here to fight for the dignity of Maluti-a-Phofung residents. We will not be intimidated.”
Molwelwe criticized the rampant corruption within the municipality, suggesting that the ongoing crises are not mere oversights but rather the result of deliberate mismanagement aimed at benefiting certain political figures through the tender system. He pointed out that municipal leaders had fled upon realizing that the EFF was poised to expose their actions. “No one is willing to account for the failures we’ve been enduring,” he stated.
Longstanding Grievances
The regional chairman stressed the consistent complaints from residents regarding inadequate water and electricity services. “We have never received a comprehensive response to our memorandums,” he lamented. He also revealed a shocking figure: R93 million was reportedly misappropriated in a failed substation project intended to stabilize electricity supply in the area. “This municipality has become a case study in corruption within our province,” he asserted, calling attention to the political interference from the African National Congress (ANC) leadership.
Impact on Students
The situation is particularly dire for students residing off-campus, as highlighted by Goje Sibande, chairman of the EFF Student Command at the University of the Free State's QwaQwa campus. “The ongoing water and electricity outages have severely affected our academic performance. We cannot complete our assessments under these conditions,” he expressed. Sibande warned that if the situation remains unresolved, students would strategize to escalate their protest.
Municipality Responds
In response to the occupation, Mandlenkosi Dlamini, the Speaker of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Council, stated that they were unaware of the EFF's intentions to picket at the offices. “It would be beneficial for the EFF to notify us in advance of such actions so we can address their grievances appropriately,” he remarked.
Conclusion
The occupation of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality by EFF members underscores the growing frustration within the community regarding basic service delivery. As the residents continue to face challenges with water and electricity, the EFF remains committed to advocating for their rights and demanding accountability from local leaders. The situation is a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective governance and transparency in addressing the needs of citizens.