LIMPOPO – Limpopo ANC secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe has raised concerns over the ongoing water shortages in Vhembe, despite Nandoni Dam in Hamutoti village being at full capacity.

Speaking at the annual memorial lecture for slain South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members Timson Musetsho and Ronald Mani, Madadzhe said that if the two activists were still alive, they would have held municipalities accountable for the lack of water supply in local communities.

“We cannot allow our communities to live without water while the Nandoni Dam is full. Unions like Samwu must ensure that municipalities are held accountable and provide essential services, such as clean water and better roads.”

The memorial lecture, held on February 28 at the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) council chamber, was attended by Samwu national president Nelson Mokgotho, VDM Mayor Freda Nkondo and the families and friends of Musetsho and Mani.

Musetsho and Mani were assassinated in separate incidents in January 2019 after being vocal about the Vhembe District Municipality’s unlawful investment in the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

During the lecture, Mokgotho described their deaths as not only an attack on them as individuals but also on the principles of accountability and ethical governance.

“They were more than just Samwu leaders; they were heroes who exposed corruption in the Vhembe District Municipality, even at great personal risk,” Mokgotho said.

“The VBS scandal was not just a financial crime – it was a betrayal of public trust. Billions of rands were stolen from the poorest communities, money meant for water, electricity, housing, and other essential services.”

Mokgotho called on the government to implement stronger protection for whistleblowers, saying that both Musetsho and Mani were targeted because they spoke out against fraud and corruption.

Representing the Musetsho family, pastor Tsanwani Rakhadani expressed appreciation for the support from law enforcement, the community and church leaders who have continued to offer prayers and encouragement to the families.

Nkondo announced that plans were in place to honour Musetsho and Mani by naming or renaming municipal infrastructure after them.

The memorial lecture served as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against corruption and the ongoing need for ethical governance in municipalities across South Africa.