By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the people of the North West lack many basic services because the ANC-led government has collapsed municipalities in the province.
Malema was speaking at the EFF’s provincial manifesto launch held at the Boitekong Stadium in Rustenburg .
He spoke of the state of infrastructure as such roads in North West and criticised the ANC-led government for collapsing municipalities in the province.
“Many roads are abandoned and others are permanently under construction. In the North West, a trip from Rustenburg to Mahikeng is going to take you four hours [instead of two] because the roads are not proper.”
“Either the roads have potholes or they say they are being repaired, but they aren’t fixing anything. They are only fixing their own pockets.”
“I get surprised when people mention Ditsobotla or Rustenburg municipality [because] there’s not even [one proper functioning] municipality in North West.
“All municipalities in the North West have collapsed under the leadership of the ANC. All the municipalities are not even sure whether they are going to pay salaries or not,” he told the crowd.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa previously painted a grim picture of the state of local government, revealing nearly 90% of the 257 municipalities in the country are in trouble.
At least 163 municipalities are currently distressed, while 66 others are dysfunctional.
Malema further called on North West premier Bushy Maape to vacate his office.
“Bushy must resign with immediate effect because we want to deliver services to our people,” Malema said.
Earlier this year, Maape went to Thailand trip to seek medical treatment. This was the second time the premier had taken time off to focus on his health.
Malema also emphasized the need to ensure that mining activities in the province benefit the local communities.
“Let the mines of North West benefit the people of North West. No mine of North West must benefit people from outside North West. Let employment in the mines start with the children of North West, comrade rock drilling operator must earn R20 000 a month.”