A meeting with Potchefstroom business operators to discuss the progress of the Tlokwe-Ventersdorp amalgamation sparked heated debate on Monday.
This was one of the scheduled meetings to update the community on the controversial merger that has infuriated Potchefstroomers. Last year, there was a violent community protest and community leaders subsequently took the Municipal Demarcation Board to court to try and stop it.
Council spokesperson, Willie Maphosa, says the municipalities have already started working together but they will only merge officially after the municipal elections.
“Meanwhile, they will have separate budgets till the end of June. Once they are consolidated, Tlokwe’s tariff structure will be used.”
Maphosa says there will be consultation with the community in due course to decide upon a name for the new municipality.
It was clear that the audience was concerned that Ventersdorp is a bankrupt municipality. A concerned resident pointed out that the recent AG’s report clearly showed that Tlokwe cannot even handle its own fruitless expenditure.
Alderman Chris Landsberg of the DA insisted that the community was never consulted and that the court case is still pending.
“This merger is not viable. We do not accept it and we will keep trying to stop it through the courts,” he said.
The executive mayor, Kgotso Khumalo defended the merger and quashed sentiment that Ventersdorp is a parasite and will be a burden to Tlokwe. Currently, only Potchefstroom residents are paying for services but Khumalo quickly added that they would force the Ventersdorp residents to do the same.
“Ventersdorp residents shop in Potchefstroom and, therefore, contribute to the economy of Potchefstroom. It is a well-known fact that, when two municipalities merge, there are always economic challenges. But, I can promise you that the national government will assist us because R450 million has been set aside for the merger. Ventersdorp has a lot to offer in terms of agriculture, mining and wine,” he said.
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