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The decay witnessed in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and other municipalities across South Africa, under the governance of the ANC, is alarming. The vital service infrastructure, including roads, sewerage, water reticulation, and electricity, is teetering on the brink of collapse.

Botshabelo, one of South Africa's largest townships, is among the seven towns within this metro, and despite highlighting the severe shortcomings of this municipality, the situation persists. The lone swimming pool in the area lies in ruins, its fencing systematically stolen. Tragically, during scorching heatwaves, children seek respite in the sewage-laden streets, oblivious to the health hazards.

The road leading to Kaizer Sebothelo sports stadium sees its kerb disintegrate, brick by brick. Recreational parks remain a distant dream, a mere illusion. Power outages plague us, contradicting the lofty promise of "A better life for all" by the ANC.

The municipality’s economy is in freefall, corruption festers within government departments, and unemployment and crime rates soar. We commit to documenting the dire state of municipal facilities in Botshabelo and presenting a comprehensive report to Mayor Gregory Nthatisi. We expect him to act with the urgency demanded to address the service delivery crisis in the metro.

We urge all South African voters to cast their ballots on 29 May, to stem the tide of economic decline, combat corruption, and tackle high unemployment and crime rates by electing the DA into power.

Issued by Edwin Maliela - DA Councillor Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality