TZANEEN – Residents of Tzaneen have voiced anger over the municipality’s new “Welcome to Tzaneen” signage, which cost R719 000 for two signs, R360 000 each.

One sign has already been erected on the R36 near The Olive Tree, while another is due to go up on the R71.

Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele told the Herald that the project is not yet complete, with the beautification component still outstanding.

She said the current work forms part of phase 1 of a two-phase project focused on the R71 and R36 entrances to the town. The location for the second signage will be on the R71 from Tarentaalrand.

Contractor’s location unconfirmed

Makhubele could not confirm claims from other sources that the company responsible for phase 1 is based in Giyani.

She added that a separate contractor will be appointed for the second phase, following standard municipal supply chain procurement procedures.

Municipality: Sign promotes town’s identity

Asked what the structure symbolises, GTM said the sign is designed to strengthen the municipality’s branding.

“It serves to welcome residents and tourists, mark the municipality’s jurisdiction, promote the town’s identity, and showcase the municipality’s hospitality,” the municipality said.

FF Plus: ‘Wrong message to taxpayers’

FF Plus representative Natalie Moss condemned the expenditure, saying it sends the wrong message while residents grapple with deteriorating roads, unreliable water supply and poor service delivery.

“At a time when every rand of public money should be spent wisely, this expenditure sends the wrong message to taxpayers. Tzaneen does not need an expensive sign to make a good impression. It needs a municipality that delivers quality services, maintains its infrastructure, and spends public money responsibly,” Moss said.

DA: ‘Substandard and unsightly’

DA caucus leader in the GTM, Councillor Lebbeus Ramalepe, rejected what he called a substandard and unsightly welcome sign, calling for urgent answers and accountability over its cost, quality, procurement, approval and payment.

“The money spent on this poor-quality sign should instead have been directed towards maintaining and repairing the municipality’s failing infrastructure. At a time when residents face deteriorating roads, unreliable services and neglected infrastructure, this expenditure is an insult to loyal ratepayers and residents,” Ramalepe said.

Readers weigh in

The Herald also asked readers on Facebook for their views on the new sign, and most were strongly opposed.

Antoinette Greyling drew comparisons to Modjadjiskloof’s costly roadside “fixture” that was crashed into shortly after its unveiling, joking that this sign might prove a similar distraction to drivers, and that she certainly would not be stopping to take a photo of it.

Debby Randall said the sign looked industrial rather than visually appealing and did not reflect Tzaneen’s character, while Melodie Mello said her own company would have completed the project for a fraction of the cost, around R50 000 to R60 000.