DA calls on Potchefstroom residents to sign Demerging Petition before 3 August 2025

Johané
Jul 30
3 min read

“Enough is enough! Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp deserve accountable, functional local governance.”

It’s been a long time coming, but action is finally being taken by the Democratic Alliance (DA) ward members of Potchefstroom to get the ball rolling in terms of demerging Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom. These two towns merged in 2015 and ever since then, there have only been issues. The petition ends on Sunday, 3 August, and residents are encouraged to visit the various ‘petition points’ throughout town to complete the forms.

In a bid to capture the sentiments of local leadership, The Potch Gazette posed the same ten questions to two municipal councillors, both of whom expressed strong support for the proposed demerger - Caucus Leader, HJ Moolman, and member of Parliament and Head of Constituency, Chris Hattingh.

The call to disestablish the JB Marks Local Municipality and restore the former Potchefstroom (Tlokwe) and Ventersdorp municipalities has reached a critical stage. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is currently considering application DEM 8001, which could see the reversal of the controversial 2015 merger that combined the two towns into one municipality.

A Politically Driven Merger That Failed

Both councillors were unequivocal in their stance: the merger has been a failure.

Mr Hattingh stated, “I unequivocally support the demerger. The 2015 merger was politically imposed, executed without meaningful public participation, and ignored technical reports that warned of its unsustainability. It has eroded service delivery, dismantled accountability, and collapsed local governance in both Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.”

Councillor Moolman echoed this view, emphasising that the merger aggravated Ventersdorp’s already fragile financial position and left Potchefstroom with the burden of a failing municipality.

Service Delivery in Crisis

Since the merger, the residents of both towns have experienced declining service delivery standards.

Water shortages, frequent power outages, raw sewage in streets, and deteriorating infrastructure have become daily realities. Potchefstroom, once known as the “City of Expertise,” now faces the same municipal failures that plague many towns across the North West.

It seems that none of the promised benefits have materialised. “Instead, Potchefstroom inherited a R700 million Eskom debt, collapsing infrastructure, and a municipality crippled by mismanagement.” A shocking revelation for Potchefstroom residents.

Financial Mismanagement and Corruption Allegations

The financial state of JB Marks Municipality is one of the concerns that both gentlemen highlighted during the interview.

Revenue collection in Ventersdorp reportedly covers only 15% of its needs, forcing Potchefstroom to carry the financial load. Irregular hiring practices, supply chain abuses, and billions in irregular, unauthorised, and wasteful expenditure have plagued the municipality.

“Despite forensic investigations and scathing Auditor-General reports, there has been zero accountability - only impunity and denial.”

Furthermore, oversight institutions, including the Auditor-General and the Hawks, have been slow to act on corruption complaints, prolonging the crisis.

Residents Urged to Participate in Demerger Process

Sections 24 and 25 of the Municipal Demarcation Act outline the legal process for disestablishing a municipality. Application DEM 8001, submitted by stakeholders and supported by councillors, is under active consideration by the MDB.

Councillors urge residents to take part in the upcoming public participation processes to ensure their voices are heard. “You were silenced in 2015. This is your chance to be heard. Stand up. Speak out. Get involved.”

Hope in a Split

If the demerger is approved, Potchefstroom could regain its financial and administrative autonomy, while Ventersdorp could receive focused provincial and national support to address its longstanding challenges.

“Restoring Tlokwe Municipality will return accountability and restore service delivery,” said one of the councillors. “This fight is about more than borders: it’s about dignity, accountability, and the basic right to functional local government.”

With the MDB expected to have finalised its research by March 2025 already and decisions anticipated later in the year, the future of both towns now rests in the hands of residents who demand change.

“Enough is enough! Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp deserve accountable, functional local governance.”

Sign the petition today! Download the document (Afrikaans, English or Setswana) below, complete it, and email it to: DemergeNOW@gmail.com or visit the following 'petition points':

Thursday, 31 July: 15h00 to 16h30 (NTT on the N12)
Friday, 1 August: 07h00 to 08h00 (De Land)
Friday, 1 August: 08h30 to 09h30 (Baillie Park Spar)
Saturday, 2 August: 09h00 to 11h00 (Pick 'n Pay, Van Der Hoff Park)