Press Statement by Samukelo Hlatswayo – DA Councillor Gert Sibande District Municipality
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Govan Mbeki is taken aback at the fact that the Municipal Manager, Elliot Maseko, failed to honour a subpoena issued by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in relation to the ongoing water crisis affecting residents of Bethal and eMzinoni.
As the Accounting Officer and Head of Administration, Maseko was formally required to appear before the Commission to account for the prolonged denial of access to water, a basic constitutional right. Instead, he failed to attend and sent a representative in his place.
This conduct is unacceptable, the SAHRC inquiry is not a routine engagement. It is a constitutional oversight process dealing with the violation of residents’ right to access sufficient water, as enshrined in Section 27 of the Constitution. The failure by the Municipal Manager to appear in person demonstrates a troubling disregard for both the Commission and the communities affected by this crisis.
For months, residents in Bethal and eMzinoni have endured water shortages, with some areas left without reliable supply for extended periods. Complaints have been raised repeatedly by communities and public representatives, yet the office of the Municipal Manager has failed to respond adequately.
His absence reinforces a clear and unacceptable pattern of non-accountability. The DA maintains that accountability cannot be delegated, especially in matters involving constitutional rights and human dignity. A representative cannot answer for the systemic failures and lack of response that fall directly under the authority of the Municipal Manager.
The people of Bethal and eMzinoni deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and acts. They cannot be expected to live without water while those responsible avoid accountability.
The DA will continue to stand with affected communities and will pursue all available avenues to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that a sustainable solution to the water crisis is implemented.