🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Free State's Masilonyana and Nketoana municipalities struggle with service delivery and financial collapse
via The Citizen12 min read
Masilonyana and Nketoana municipalities in the Free State have been identified as the province's worst-performing, characterized by administrative issues, corruption, and political infighting. The National Council of Provinces select committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs found service delivery to be non-existent in both municipalities. Masilonyana has failed to pay employee pension contributions, risking staff benefits upon retirement or death, and has received audit disclaimers for 10 years. The municipality also has over R190 million in unspent conditional grants. Nketoana municipality owes creditors approximately R1.7 billion, with overdue debtors amounting to R1.5 billion. Eskom, Nketoana's largest creditor, has not been paid in 10 months and plans to cut electricity supply. Additionally, boreholes in Nketoana towns like Petrus Steyn, Arlington, and Lindley are non-operational due to vandalism and cable theft, leaving residents without water. Freedom Front Plus Free State MP Tammy Breedt stated that the leadership in these municipalities disregards legislation and provincial authority.
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Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa AASA, has launched a campaign to improve new car safety standards in the country. He questions why the lives of South African motorists, particularly first-time buyers of entry-level cars, are valued less than those in other countries. The AA, in collaboration with the Global New Car Assessment Programme GNCAP, conducts safety tests on popular locally sold cars, revealing low ratings such as a "zero star" for the Hyundai Grand i10 and two stars for the Toyota Corolla Cross base model, with a minimum of three stars considered a passing grade. Carmakers in South Africa argue their vehicles meet homologation requirements, but GNCAP disagrees. Ramagwede's career spans various industries, including banking and healthcare administration, before he was appointed CEO of the AA. He advocates for a "delayed gratification" mindset to address issues like infrastructure maintenance. The AA, established in 1930, has over 270,000 members and is part of the African component of the FIA. Ramagwede notes that some manufacturers, like Volkswagen Group Africa, have already upgraded safety standards for their entry-level models due to the campaign.
Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Daphney Manamela has made allegations against her colleagues and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, claiming that politicians and businesspeople have compromised policing in the province. Manamela stated that police officers in Mpumalanga interfere in investigations related to political killings, manipulation of the docket management system, illegal mining, extortion, and human trafficking. She also questioned the source of funding for home appliances awarded to Saps members at the 2025 Excellence Awards. Manamela further alleged that a police officer confessed to receiving a R5 million bribe, shared with top police officials, to prevent her return to work, which would lead to the reopening of cases, including those involving the Mbombela stadium construction. She claimed her suspension by General Masemola was for enforcing discipline. In response, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the South African Police Service is taking the allegations seriously and will subject them to investigative processes to establish facts. Mathe indicated that independent oversight bodies would be used to ensure impartiality and public confidence. She added that Manamela would be called for consultation to establish the facts and that decisive action would be taken if wrongdoing is found. Mathe also dismissed Manamela's stated reasons for her suspension, noting that it is an employer-employee matter and Manamela is aware of t
Must ReadThe Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning regarding a significant rise in malaria cases and associated deaths across the province, urging residents to be vigilant and seek prompt treatment. Between January and December 2025, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths. However, in the first three months of 2026 alone, the province has already reported 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, a notable increase from 230 cases and one death during the same period in 2025. Health officials link this surge to increased travel during the festive season, with many residents visiting malaria-endemic regions and returning infected. Residents who have traveled to high-risk areas like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are advised to be particularly cautious. The department stresses that malaria is preventable and treatable, but delayed diagnosis can be fatal. Symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, especially after travel, warrant immediate medical attention. Preventive measures, including insect repellent and protective clothing, are also recommended. As World Malaria Day approaches on April 25, 2026, the GDoH is calling on residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families, while continuing to monitor the situation and strengthen public health interventions.
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