By Thembi Siaga and Kaizer Nengovhela
Residents of Hakutama say they are fed up with years of poor service delivery, including pothole-ridden roads, unreliable electricity, and ongoing water shortages. On Monday, about 50 residents marched from the information centre, demanding urgent action from Makhado Mayor Dorcus Mboyi and the municipal manager over what they describe as persistent neglect by the municipality.
In a memorandum, residents listed several unfinished and neglected infrastructure projects, including the R522 and D3715 roads and the Lottery-sponsored Mbulaheni Mulaudzi Stadium. The D3715, which runs from Ha-Madodonga to Tshikwarani, was officially handed over to a contractor in February 2024 by Public Works MEC Nkakareng Ragoale. Only the first phase, covering 5 km, was completed, while the second phase never started, leaving residents frustrated.
The R522, between Louis Trichardt and Vivo, has deteriorated back to gravel after a rehabilitation contract was terminated because of poor performance. Other roads, such as the D1818 connecting Maebani, Makhitha, and Muraleni, and the Madabani–Makhado Air Base road, remain untarred and poorly maintained, making travel difficult, especially during the rainy season.
"We need proper roads," said protester Thinavhuyo Mulaudzi. "When you get sick, the bad road makes things worse while travelling. We also need water and electricity at the new stands," she said.
In 2020, then-Public Works MEC Dickson Masemola announced R11.5 million to rehabilitate the D959, from Louis Trichardt to the Makhado Air Force Base, and the D3715, from Madabani to Tshikhodobo. The D959 project was completed that same year but was later found to be poorly done, prompting an SIU investigation and forced repairs. In 2022, another R30 million was allocated to fix the D3715, with R8 million used for a 3.5 km stretch between Madabani and Madodonga, and R22 million for the 8.1 km stretch to Tshikhodobo. Despite these funds, the road remains in disrepair, and residents are still questioning what happened to the R22 million balance.
High unemployment remains another concern. Residents say local job opportunities, including those under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), are often given to outsiders instead of community members.
The electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent power cuts during rainy, windy, and cold weather conditions. Many households still lack electricity, and new connections are costly.
Villages affected include Manavhela, Zamenkomste, Midoroni, Maebani, Makhitha, Madodonga, Madabani, and Muraleni. The memorandum also calls for Apollo lights and better maintenance across these villages.
Despite the nearby Tshipata Dam's being full year-round, residents say poor purification and distribution systems leave them without water.
Municipal portfolio head Rachel Raliphada received the memorandum, promising a response within seven days. "The issues of roads and electricity will be escalated to the relevant departments," she said.
Residents warned that if no action was taken, they would escalate their concerns and continue peaceful protests.