Kathorus residents displeased with service delivery

As SA heads to the seventh general elections post-apartheid, Kathorus townships’ residents reflected on their experiences with service delivery in the CoE ahead of the May 29 elections.

Undoubtedly, the inconsistent and frequent leadership changes in the CoE affected the quality of service delivery. The city had three mayors after former mayor Mzwandile Masina of the ANC bowed out as the city’s first citizen in 2021.

His predecessor, Tania Lynette Campbell of the DA, served from November 2021 until her removal by a motion of no confidence in October 2022. She was reelected in November 2022 and removed again on March 30, 2023.

African Independent Congress member Sivuyile Ngodwana succeeded Campbell, but a motion of no confidence on March 28, 2024, voted him out after serving for almost a year.

His removal left the city without an executive mayor for nearly two weeks before the uncontested appointment of the ANC-endorsed Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza on April 11.

The constant leadership changes frustrated many Kathorus residents, who were severely affected by poor service delivery in various communities. These include blocked sewers, uncut grass in public spaces and cemeteries, potholes, damaged street and traffic lights and a high crime rate.

A resident of Nhlapo Section, Katlehong, and founder of Tshohang Youth Centre, Moses Gama, said that even though refuse collection is consistent, for other services, it is talk without action.

He said the issue of the regularly blocked sewer on Sophangisa Street in Ward 55, which he and other residents have reported for the past 10 years, has not been resolved.

“Once they unblock the manhole it only functions for a few weeks due to improper work. This overpopulated residential area has sewers overflowing the streets,” said Gama.

“Second, the streets are still in the same state, with potholes that affect motorists and pedestrians who have to constantly be vigilant of vehicles that swerve to avoid the potholes.”

He said NGOs have not signed service level agreements with the Department of Social Development, affecting their ability to seek help and ensure donor adherence.

The government needs new purpose-driven leaders to address poverty, a major issue.

“By curbing poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, GBV, dysfunctional families, and high crime rates could be minimised.”

Buccie Rampou from Moshoeshoe Section said everyone has the right to vote, and she hopes the party that wins will deliver quality services to the people.

She said in her community, some street lights do not work, and with the high crime rate, they feel unsafe.

“If they fixed the street lights we would feel much safer. We also experience sewer spillage on the streets that affect our health. We have children who play in the sewer water and elders no longer flexible enough to jump the sewer water to cross the street,” said Rampou.

She further shared that their neighbouring sections, like Monaheng and Motloung, have public parks, while they do not have one.

“We also need a park that we can go to to refresh our minds, reconnect and network with other residents. This will help us build a sustainable relationship.”

Beauty Maboka from Ext 25, Vosloorus, said they experience poor service in her area.

She said the overgrown grass in the open fields where the community illegally dumped is a security risk for locals.

“The area has become a breeding ground for criminals hiding behind waste and attacking unsuspecting individuals. The filthy environment and damaged Apollo and street lights further intensify crime,” said Maboka.

Bongani Maseko from Thokoza Ext 2 said residents are affected by the sewer water, and those waste collectors are unpaid. He said the parks, the stadium and the grounds, which are vital to keeping children away from drugs, are not maintained.

“We had an IDP public participation engagement where they told us about the budget and projects we must adopt as the community. But they never returned to us to give us feedback on the conclusion. All they do is lie,” said Maseko.

Members of the sporting fraternity also voiced their challenges. The chairperson of the Vosloorus Local Football Association, Jabu Nkosi, said they do not have serious challenges but, lately, have had to adjust because the department does not have funds.

He said that previously, they did not have to buy paint, fix broken soccer poles, or fix the water pipes at the stadium, but now it is their responsibility.

He explained that it is difficult because they do not have funding or sponsorship.

“The fields are not maintained correctly because the caretakers lack the necessary tools, but the relationship with the stadium caretakers is positive and appreciated,” Nkosi noted.

Thokoza Local Football Association (TLFA) chairperson Sifiso Chonco reiterated they must weld and paint the poles and field lines at Sam Ntuli Stadium from their budget.

In 2023, the TLFA secured a seasonal stadium booking from November 11 to July 31. However, they received poor service.

“The changing rooms and storerooms are flooded with water, there are no lights, and the facility lacks adequate water for toilets and drinking. The fence has holes, which makes it hard to control the entry and exit points,” said Chonco.

Executive member of the Katlehong Local Football Association Lehlogonolo Mokatane from Ext 1, Moleleki Section, said the association struggles to access facilities like Huntersfield Stadium.

He said the LFA cannot access the ground because of high rentals, while players must play on rocky gravel grounds during league games and tournaments.

“The stadium is accessible to favoured individuals. Our grounds are affected by sewage spilling onto the playing fields,” said Mokatane.