Residents of the Matlosana City are shocked by the death of two individuals who died trying to open up a blocked manhole on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, in Orkney.
Coming down hard on the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, the Democratic Alliance (DA) linked the tragic loss of life to the municipality’s continued failure to maintain essential infrastructure.
“This devastating incident occurred when residents, out of sheer desperation, attempted to unblock a sewer that had been overflowing in their street for months. Despite numerous complaints and pleas for intervention, the municipality failed to act.
“As a result, two residents tragically lost their lives, and another remains in hospital. This tragedy is a direct consequence of ongoing municipal neglect, poor governance, and the collapse of basic service delivery under the current ANC administration,” said DA leader Strydom.
While the South African Police Service (SAPS) registered an inquest docket, Strydom said no resident should ever have to risk their life to restore a service that the municipality is both legally and morally obligated to provide.
The DA will demand a full and transparent investigation into this incident to ensure accountability for those whose inaction contributed to this loss of life.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for competent leadership and decisive action in Matlosana. The DA will continue to fight for accountable governance, the proper maintenance of infrastructure, and the protection of residents’ lives and dignity.“
The municipality officially confirmed that the deceased were not employees of the municipality, nor were they contracted by the municipality to perform any work at the time of the incident.
Responding to the incident, the executive mayor Fikile Mahlope sent a message of condolences to the affected families.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Mahlope.
Responding to the allegations made by the DA, the municipality urged the public and media to refrain from speculation, allowing due process to unfold and respecting the privacy of the grieving families.
Residents of Ward 35, Khuma Township, near Stilfontein in North West, are crying foul over worsening spilling sewage in their community.
The concerned residents – living in a Ward led by a Ward Councillor who is responsible for Community Services department said the situation poses a serious health hazard. The spillages do not only lead to a foul smell but also spill into their yards and even houses.
They have accused the City of Matlosana Local Municipality of not doing much to fix the problem.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana has alleged that service delivery is further hampered by transport challenges and poor resourcing.
The party said many municipal teams lack operational vehicles and proper protective equipment, delaying critical repairs and exposing workers to unsafe conditions.
“The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana has, over the past months, repeatedly raised concerns about the failing sewerage infrastructure in Orkney and surrounding areas.
“Despite ongoing calls for intervention, the situation continues to deteriorate posing serious health and environmental risks to residents.
“Municipal response times remain slow, and when repairs are undertaken, they are temporary and ineffective. The underlying issues, ageing infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and poor planning have been ignored for far too long.”
The DA has consistently demanded:
Immediate and permanent repairs to sewerage systems;
Accountability from officials responsible for ongoing failures;
Adequate resourcing for maintenance teams; and
Transparent communication with affected communities.
This is not a new crisis. It is the continuation of a problem the DA has been fighting to fix for months, with little to no response from the ANC-led administration.
