By Rorisang Rampheteng:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says a nine-year-old boy died after being electrocuted by an exposed municipal electricity cable in Nala Local Municipality over the weekend. The party described the incident as “tragic and preventable”, blaming poor maintenance of municipal infrastructure and the failure in basic service delivery.
DA blames neglect by municipality
DA councillor in Nala, Thinus Barnard, said the child’s death should never have happened and pointed to what he described as “long-standing neglect” by the ANC-led municipality. “This devastating and entirely preventable loss of life is the direct result of maladministration, neglect and a complete lack of political will by the ANC-led Nala Local Municipality,” Barnard said.
Section 139 intervention questioned
Nala Local Municipality is currently under a Section 139(1)(b) financial intervention due to its inability to manage finances and fulfil its obligations. However, the DA said the tragedy raises serious questions about whether the intervention is working.
The report noted that despite the intervention, residents continue to live with unsafe infrastructure that put their lives at risk.
DA NCOP spokesperson on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP, said stronger oversight is urgently needed. “This tragedy raises serious concerns about whether the provincial CoGTA and the appointed administrator are exercising meaningful oversight or restoring lawful governance. Residents are still exposed to life-threatening risks,” he said.
Serious safety failures uncovered
The DA report further stated that several safety failures were identified after Barnard conducted on-the-ground assessments following the incident.
These include live electrical cables left exposed in public areas, contractors allegedly delivering substandard and unsafe electrical work, unqualified individuals working on electrical infrastructure, and municipal electricians operating without proper personal protective equipment.
Possible breach of safety laws
The DA said these conditions amount to a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers and organs of state to ensure a safe working environment and protect the public from harm.
Barnard warned that when safety rules are ignored, communities are placed in danger, with children being the most vulnerable.
DA to approach Premier and Public Protector
In response to the incident, the DA said it will write to the Free State Premier to raise concerns about the failure of the Section 139 intervention to prevent harm and restore proper governance.
The party also plans to approach the Public Protector to investigate how live electricity cables were allowed to remain exposed and whether negligence, procurement failures or corruption played a role.
“When basic services are neglected and safety laws are ignored, ordinary residents pay the ultimate price,” Scheurkogel said.
Condolences to the family
The DA extended its condolences to the family of the nine-year-old boy and said it will pursue accountability through legal and oversight processes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. – @NewsSA_Online
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