Political Turmoil and Violence Plague Ditsobotla Municipality in South Africa
The Ditsobotla Local Municipality in South Africa’s North West province, home to the agricultural towns of Lichtenburg and Coligny, is embroiled in violent factional battles that have paralyzed governance and service delivery.
Escalating Violence and Leadership Crisis
The political infighting has reached dangerous levels, with multiple individuals claiming leadership positions including mayorship, speakership, and accounting officer roles. The conflict turned violent on May 4, 2025, when two security companies clashed at municipal buildings, leaving one person seriously injured.
Colonel Adéle Myburgh, SAPS provincial spokesperson, confirmed investigations into attempted murder, trespassing, and illegal firearm discharge. This incident follows earlier violence in March when municipal manager Olaotse Bojosinyane’s security guards allegedly shot two employees during an attempted office reoccupation.
Court Interventions Fail to Resolve Crisis
The High Court in Mmabatho has repeatedly intervened, most recently on April 30 ordering current leadership to remain in place during appeals. However, ANC councilor Molefe Morutse continues to dispute the ruling, claiming legitimacy based on a February Labour Court judgment.
Left – Mazwi Moruri. Right – Molefe Morutse.
Collapsing Infrastructure and Services
Residents suffer from chronic water shortages, electricity failures, and sanitation breakdowns. Businesses like Clover’s cheese factory have closed, citing poor service delivery. Illegal dumping proliferates as municipal services collapse.
Calls for National Intervention
DA MPL CJ Steyl has called for permanent police deployment and Section 139(7) national administration, warning: “Under no circumstances can Ditsobotla residents continue to live under a general state of lawlessness.” The ANC reportedly considers merging Ditsobotla with neighboring municipalities after 2026 elections if stability isn’t restored.
The ongoing crisis highlights South Africa’s municipal governance challenges, with residents paying the price through deteriorating living conditions and economic decline.
Source: BusinessTech