The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the mayor of the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM), Cllr Vania Davids, requesting that she takes responsibility for the worsening crisis in Steynsburg, which has been plagued by ongoing protest action over the past few months due to alleged nepotism in the administration.
The continuous protests have brought the town to a standstill, severely impacting essential services such as ambulance response, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. Residents, business owners, and tourists have all been affected by the unrest, which has further strained an already struggling local economy.
I have therefore written to Mayor Davids requesting her to immediately meet with the affected community, provide clarity on the alleged nepotism, and take decisive action to restore order and service delivery in Steynsburg.
Approximately 23 protestors have been arrested and released on bail following the demonstrations. The community is outraged by the appointment of a staff member from Aliwal North to a municipal position in Steynsburg, despite the town’s high unemployment rate. It is further alleged that the appointee has family connections within the upper ranks of the municipal administration, raising serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process.
As a result of the unrest, municipal offices in Steynsburg have remained closed for a week, leaving critical issues such as power outages unresolved and refuse uncollected for three weeks. Alarmingly, municipal workers have reportedly been threatened with consequences should they attempt to perform their duties during the protests.
The residents of Steynsburg deserve more than this. They deserve competent leadership that prioritises their needs, ensures fair and transparent governance, and upholds the basic services that every citizen is entitled to. It is time for the mayor to show accountability and provide the leadership this community so desperately needs.