Steve Tshwete Local Municipality residents have demanded accountability over failing infrastructure, healthcare shortages and rising crime during a provincial public hearing in Middelburg.

Held at Themba Sinamela Stadium on Tuesday, September 1, the event marked day two of the week-long Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme, which runs from August 31 to September 4.

The initiative serves as an oversight vehicle, giving residents direct access to state departments, local government and public representatives to track budget spending and service delivery following initial visits in June.

Vincent Mlombo, chairperson of committees in the MPL, opened the session by framing the event as a celebration of South Africa’s post-1994 democratic rights. He emphasised that freedom of speech and expression are central to keeping government responsive and accessible.

Steve Tshwete Local Municipality Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of direct dialogue between residents and provincial officials.

Key service delivery concerns

Key service delivery issues raised by residents included:

• Unreliable water and sanitation systems, faulty streetlights, poorly maintained roads and escalating municipal rates
• Shortages of mobile clinics (currently visiting some areas only once a month) and poor hygiene standards across several wards
• Requests for a new community hall and clinic in Ward 8
• Vacant land being turned into illegal dumping sites, alongside rising local crime rates
• High unemployment rates and a lack of local business opportunities.

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Members of the Executive Council (MECs) responded directly to the floor, detailing active interventions, resource allocations and operational plans aimed at resolving these local challenges.

Legislature commits to 18-month follow-up

Assuring the community that their voices were heard, MPL member Jackson Malatjie confirmed that the provincial body will return to Steve Tshwete Local Municipality in 18 months for a formal follow-up session.

For the remainder of the week, various legislature committee members will conduct site inspections and oversight visits across local government-funded projects and key service delivery points.