Honourable Speaker, The CoGTA MEC, Hon Molapisi Honourable Mayor, Honourable Council Whip, Honourable Councillors, Organised Labour, National Cabinet Representative and his team, Representatives of the provincial and national spheres of government, Representatives from the Auditor-General of South Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.
Today marks an important milestone in the intervention underway in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Exactly one year ago, on 3 September 2025, Cabinet resolved to place this municipality under intervention. Today, on 3 September 2026, we return to assess progress and to take stock of how far the municipality has come on its path to recovery. One year from now, on 3 September 2027, the intervention is expected to conclude. Our collective objective is that, by then, the municipality will have recovered sufficiently for the intervention structures to withdraw, having achieved the goals set for this process.
As Minister, I wish to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the councillors of Ditsobotla. Since the intervention was instituted, councillors have demonstrated a spirit of cooperation and commitment that has helped this municipality begin to turn the corner. Ditsobotla was once frequently in the public spotlight for the wrong reasons. Today, there is growing evidence that the focus has shifted toward governance, stability and service delivery. Councillors have also worked to ensure that Annual Financial Statements are submitted within the prescribed timeframes, meeting important compliance obligations and demonstrating greater institutional discipline.
For these reasons, I wish to acknowledge the Council’s work and affirm that its members have earned the title “Honourable” through their commitment to improving the municipality and serving the people of Ditsobotla.
One of the key reasons for this follow-up visit is to encourage councillors not to lose momentum. Progress has been made, but the work is not yet complete. My impression upon arriving here today is that there is a renewed commitment among councillors to work with the intervention and to place residents’ interests above all else.
The sustainability of this recovery effort will depend significantly on the municipality’s financial position. Adequate resources are essential if the intervention is to achieve its intended outcomes. The Government will therefore continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, to ensure that all outstanding processes are expedited and that the municipality is appropriately supported in implementing its recovery programme.
I must also acknowledge that a few months ago government received a concerning report suggesting that some of the gains made through the intervention were at risk due to signs of backsliding. It is therefore encouraging to observe notable improvements in attitude, cooperation, and commitment. This positive change strengthens our confidence that the municipality can continue on its recovery trajectory.
On behalf of the government, I can confirm that the intervention is making meaningful progress and is increasingly achieving the objectives for which it was established. While challenges remain, the evidence before us demonstrates that Ditsobotla is moving in the right direction.
The progress achieved thus far should motivate all stakeholders to remain focused on the work ahead. Whether councillors return after the forthcoming local government elections or not, the responsibility to prioritise the interests of the people of Ditsobotla must remain paramount. Municipal recovery is bigger than any individual or political term of office. It is about creating a stable, functional municipality that can provide reliable services and restore public confidence in local government.
Government’s commitment to the people of Ditsobotla remains unwavering. We will continue to work with the municipality, councillors, organised labour, provincial government, National Treasury and all other stakeholders to ensure that the gains already achieved are consolidated and that the remaining challenges are addressed decisively.
The message from today’s visit is simple: progress has been made, cooperation is yielding results, and Ditsobotla is steadily moving away from a period of instability and dysfunction toward a future defined by accountability, good governance and service delivery.
Let us remain focused. Let us continue to work together. And let us ensure that, when the intervention concludes, the people of Ditsobotla can say with confidence that their municipality has been restored and is working in their interests.
I thank you.