The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on residents to help restore service delivery, improve municipal governance and create jobs in JB Marks Local Municipality during its provincial rally held at the Trimpark in Potchefstroom on Friday, October 16.

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and the party’s North West leadership hosted the rally, under the theme Working for All, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Theo Venter, the DA’s mayoral candidate for JB Marks, told supporters that the municipality had the potential to become one of the leading economic hubs in the North West, but that years of poor management, political infighting and neglected infrastructure had contributed to the decline in service delivery.

“Some 20 years ago, Potchefstroom was regarded as one of South Africa’s better-functioning municipalities,” Venter said.

He said the municipality’s roads, water systems, sewerage infrastructure and electricity network needed urgent attention, adding that the upcoming election would be critical in determining the future of JB Marks.

“As the DA’s mayoral candidate for JB Marks, I stand before you today with a clear commitment to restoring good governance, reliable services and a better future for every resident of our municipality,” he said.

Venter highlighted the recent successful hosting of the Aardklop arts festival and the National Gliding Championships in Potchefstroom, describing these events as examples of the municipality’s tourism potential and the international reach of local businesses.

He said the DA would continue supporting Aardklop while prioritising proper road maintenance, road markings and infrastructure to improve the experience of visitors to the town.

Venter also pointed to the potential for economic growth through North-West University (NWU), including the development of a new medical faculty, as well as the agricultural sector in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

He said the municipality needed to turn these opportunities into jobs while addressing the challenges faced by communities across JB Marks.

During visits to Ventersdorp, Goedgevonden, Lindequesdrift and Rysmierbult, Venter said he had taken note of concerns about poor municipal services, a lack of running water at the Tsing clinic, crime and stock theft affecting farmers, and the needs of local agricultural communities.

“Every community in JB Marks matters. Whether you live in Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp, on a farm or in a smaller community, you deserve a municipality that works for you,” he said.

Venter outlined five key commitments that would guide a DA-led municipal government.

The first is to root out corruption and restore public trust by ending political interference in municipal administration, investigating allegations of fraud and misconduct, implementing audit recommendations and strengthening whistle-blower protection.

The second focuses on reliable service delivery and infrastructure improvements. Venter said the municipality would prioritise proper planning, maintenance, communication and cooperation with communities and the private sector.

He proposed a 10-year master plan for roads, water and sewerage infrastructure to accommodate the municipality’s growing needs. Electricity infrastructure and supply would also be strengthened, while streetlights, neighbourhood safety and municipal law enforcement would receive attention.

Venter said a DA-led administration would work with the police, community policing forums and private security companies to improve safety, particularly in areas where women and children were vulnerable to crime.

The third commitment is to restore financial stability and responsible governance. Venter said municipal funds would be managed transparently and spent responsibly to maintain and improve infrastructure while meeting the municipality’s financial obligations.

His fourth commitment is to build a more resilient and accountable municipality by improving public participation, ensuring ward committees function properly and holding ward councillors accountable for their responsibilities.

He also pledged to improve emergency services and the fire brigade, address the municipality’s financial obligations to the fire protection association and preserve the area’s heritage in consultation with communities.

The fifth commitment is to grow the local economy and create jobs.

Venter said JB Marks had the people, institutions and natural advantages needed to become a leading economic hub in the province. He said a DA-led municipality would work with NWU, local businesses and industry to encourage investment, develop skills, support innovation and improve municipal planning.

Key sectors identified for growth included agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and the knowledge economy.

He stressed that businesses needed reliable water and electricity, maintained roads and functional infrastructure to invest and create employment opportunities.

“The DA believes that local government exists to serve its residents. Every decision must be guided by integrity, accountability and a commitment to improving the daily lives of every person who calls JB Marks home,” Venter said.

He warned that the municipality could not afford another five years of failing services, political infighting and uncertainty.

We need a government that can deliver, and a party with the experience, the track record and the strength to bring real change,” he said.

Venter called on residents to support the DA in the upcoming election, saying the party wanted to restore dignity, rebuild pride in the municipality and ensure that services reached every community.