AfriForum Secures Judicial Victory in Free State: A Commitment to Improved Service Delivery

In a significant legal victory, civil rights organization AfriForum, together with the Mafube Business Forum (MBF), has emerged triumphant in a protracted legal struggle against the Free State Premier and 12 other respondents. The judgment, delivered by the High Court in Bloemfontein, asserted that the respondents neglected their duties, thereby violating court orders and thus were found guilty of contempt of court.

This lawsuit centered around the alleged negligence in service delivery within the Mafube Local Municipality, encompassing towns like Frankfort, Tweeling, Villiers, and Cornelia. It was noted that Frankfort experienced a near-total collapse in service provisions. The court mandated immediate action by the respondents, including the drafting and implementation of a financial recovery plan and the cessation of municipal activities polluting the Vaal and Wilge Rivers.

The panel of Judges J. Daffue, S. Chesiwe, and S. Hefer highlighted in their decision the imperative need for a governance culture pivoted on accountability and responsibility. They expressed deep concern over the breach of constitutional obligations and basic rights of the residents, emphasizing the right of the Free State's people to competent governance.

Jaco Grobbelaar, the Central Region Head for AfriForum, remarked on the judgment as a critical indictment of the Mafube Municipality's governance failures. He stressed the need for local communities and private institutions to take a more active role in service delivery, given the chronic underperformance and lack of political will within the existing municipal framework.

Christa Ikking, AfriForum's Coordinator for the Highlands Region, reiterated the municipality's failure in fulfilling its statutory obligations, highlighting the habitual non-compliance with judicial directives. Today's judgment not only showcases the judiciary's role in upholding legal accountability but also catalyzes necessary government intervention to restore and ensure service delivery.

This court decision marks a pivotal moment for the Mafube Local Municipality, setting a legal precedent for government accountability and active civic engagement in South Africa's governance. The judgment is a reminder and a call to action for governments to prioritize the welfare of its residents and adhere to legal standards.