DA Demands Immediate Action to Secure Reliable Water Supply in Mafube
By Mpho Moloi
The Democratic Alliance has ramped up calls for urgent help to fix the ongoing water crisis in Mafube Local Municipality, turning to provincial leaders and asking for backup from the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Residents in areas like Frankfort, Namahadi, and Cornelia woke up to dry taps again, sparking more frustration in a place already hit hard by unreliable services. A local coffee shop owner shared her struggle, wondering if it is worth keeping her business open without water to serve customers. This latest push comes as the municipality grapples with deep financial woes and service breakdowns that have led to job losses and health risks.
Mafube’s troubles go beyond just water, with sewage spills polluting rivers and workers staying away due to unpaid salaries. The DA wants quick fixes to bring back steady supply, highlighting how these issues hurt everyday people and the local economy. With unemployment over 40 percent and big businesses closing down, the party says it is time for all levels of government to step in and make real changes. This article looks at the crisis details, the DA’s demands, and what it means for the community.
The Water Crisis Hits Hard in Mafube Towns
People in Frankfort, Namahadi, and Cornelia have faced empty taps for months, with the latest outage adding to their daily battles. A coffee shop owner told how she almost shut down after a customer got upset over no coffee because the machine needs water. She keeps going only for her nine workers and their families, but wonders how long she can hold on.
This is not new for Mafube. Over the past year, water problems have worsened, with two of three pumps at the Frankfort intake tower breaking down in July. The municipality did not treat it as urgent, leading to erratic supply. Residents complain about poor communication and ignored water shedding schedules, which waste electricity on idle geysers and cause pipe airlocks. Sewage spills into the Wilge River have contaminated water sources, raising health fears for communities downstream.
Businesses feel the pinch too. Clover closed its Frankfort plant in 2022, costing 80 jobs, after years of helping with water maintenance. More recently, Kromdraai Milling and OK Foods cut staff, blaming unstable services. With over 40 percent unemployment from the 2011 census, locals say new jobs often go to outsiders, leaving them out.
DA’s Push for Help from Higher Levels
The DA is taking the issue up the chain, contacting provincial reps and asking Fezile Dabi District for logistical aid to speed up solutions. They plan to work with the Department of Water and Sanitation on quality tests in places like Villiers and Qalabotjha, and push concerns to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Councillor Suzette Steyn highlighted the human side, saying the crisis is breaking spirits. The party wants immediate steps to fix pumps, upgrade pipes, and ensure fair communication. They point to revenue collection at just 15 percent in September, down from 51 percent in June, as a sign of deeper financial collapse. SARS has seized municipal accounts again for unpaid debts, leaving no money for salaries or repairs.
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