The Merafong Service Delivery Crisis Committee (MSDCF) led a large-scale community shutdown march on 24 October 2025, drawing hundreds of residents from Carletonville, Fochville, Kokosi, Khutsong, and surrounding areas. The peaceful yet firm demonstration aimed to demand decisive action from national government authorities over long-standing allegations of corruption, maladministration, and service delivery collapse in the Merafong City Local Municipality.

Peaceful March, Widespread Disruption

The march commenced around 9:00 AM from the Old Taxi Rank in Oberholzer, proceeding through Carletonville's central business district to the municipal offices on Halite Street. Organisers had deployed marshals in reflective vests to help manage the route and maintain order. Despite the scale of the protest, the event remained peaceful and well-coordinated, with no reports of violence or arrests.

However, the demonstration did result in significant traffic disruption. Key roads were closed, including Kerk Street in Fochville, and motorists were advised to use the N12 as an alternative. Several businesses shut their doors, either in solidarity or due to logistical disruptions. Despite the term “shutdown,” schools remained open as previously assured by the MSDCF, which had communicated that scholar transport would not be impeded. No incidents affecting learners or teachers were reported.

Strong Demands in Memorandum

The primary aim of the march was to hand over a memorandum of demands to several high-ranking government officials, including:

• Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Velenkosini Hlabisa

• National Police Commissioner, Lt Gen. Fanie Masemola

• Acting Head of the Hawks, Lt Gen. Nkosi

• Auditor General, Ms. Tsakane Maluleka

• National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Shamila Batohi

• Public Protector, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka

The memorandum detailed allegations of irregular and wasteful expenditure, fictitious payments, unauthorised appointments, inflated procurement, and environmental violations such as untreated sewage spills. Protesters called for urgent national intervention, prosecution of implicated officials, and a forensic audit of the municipality’s finances.

While none of the named officials were present to receive the document, it was formally handed over to designated representatives from the Department of Cooperative Governance and the South African Police Service.

Government Silence Raises Concerns

As of 27 October, no official statements have been issued by the six national offices addressed in the memorandum. The Merafong municipality’s spokesperson, Thabo Moloja, acknowledged the protest but emphasised that the organisers had bypassed the municipality in favour of national channels. He stated, “It is within their rights to approach national structures, and national government must respond accordingly.”

The Mayor of Merafong, Nozuko Best, and Municipal Manager Dumisani Mabuza, both of whom were called on to resign in the protest, did not appear publicly during the event. This marked a shift from an earlier protest in September, where the mayor received a community petition but dismissed calls for her resignation.

Media Coverage and National Spotlight

The march received extensive media attention from outlets such as Jacaranda FM, Newzroom Afrika, and community newspapers including Carletonville Herald. Live footage and images circulated widely on social media, showing residents singing, chanting, and carrying placards with messages such as “Stop Corruption” and “Nozuko & Dumisani – We Demand Answers.”

Photos from prior protests were also republished to emphasise the continuity of the community’s frustrations, particularly images of residents blocking highways and calling for water access in Kokosi and Khutsong.

Awaiting Outcomes

As of this publication date, no formal responses or interventions have been confirmed from national bodies such as the Public Protector, Auditor General, NPA, or Hawks. However, community leaders indicated they were allowing a brief grace period for authorities to respond before escalating their actions.

At the provincial level, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office has acknowledged receiving the community’s call to place Merafong under administration. The Provincial Legislature’s CoGTA Committee had also recently warned of the municipality’s deteriorating condition and hinted that stronger intervention might be necessary.

Meanwhile, the MSDCF declared the march a success, citing high turnout, media visibility, and peaceful coordination as evidence of growing unity. Coordinator Buti Elliot Mtembu stated that the community would continue monitoring progress and would not hesitate to intensify pressure if no meaningful action followed.

Looking Ahead

The residents of Merafong have made their voices heard. The spotlight now shifts to the national institutions entrusted with upholding governance and accountability. Whether this protest leads to investigations, prosecutions, or a formal intervention remains to be seen. What is clear is that the people of Merafong are no longer willing to wait in silence.

#MerafongMarch2025 #ServiceDeliveryCrisis #CommunityVoices #AccountabilityNow #MerafongUnited

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