“If the DA was never part of this municipality, we still feel that maybe some of the things would not have happened,”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in Matatiele Local Municipality, Wonga Potwana, has commended the former mayor’s work Sonwabile Mngenela, particularly in ensuring service delivery to all wards, this praise comes after the municipality tabled its budget speech on Wednesday the 18 June 2025.
According to Potwana, the former mayor achieved a historic milestone by ensuring that all wards in the municipality received service delivery. “This marks a significant accomplishment, highlighting the mayor’s commitment to equitable service provision across the municipality,” said the DA Chief Whip. Potwana has given credit to the former mayor’s remarkable work, despite facing fraud charges since March 2025, and also acknowledging Mngenela’s achievements during his tenure from November 2021. “The reality of the matter is that he has done a very wonderful job, looking at the amount of money that has been spent and the service delivery across all wards, it’s a significant achievement,” said Potwana.
Potwana specifically highlighted that for the first time, service delivery reached all wards, mentioning wards 17, 24, 13, 18, 22, and 27. However, he noted that there were slight challenges in some areas like Area C. He further highlighted the crucial role the Democratic Alliance (DA) played in the municipality’s progress. “If the DA was never part of this municipality, we still feel that maybe some of the things would not have happened,” he said.
Potwana attributed the municipality’s achievements to the DA’s vigilant oversight. “Due to the eye of the hawk that we have as the DA, monitoring each and everything, and being part and parcel of anything and everything, the council led by the ANC has respected us by ensuring that whatever we say, things happen,” explained Potwana. He emphasized that the DA’s presence and active participation have pushed the municipality to deliver on its promises, despite being led by the ANC. Potwana noted that the DA’s monitoring role has been instrumental in holding the council accountable and driving service delivery.
In conclusion, Wonga Potwana expressed gratitude to the African National Congress for listening to the DA’s concerns regarding service delivery. He specifically thanked the municipality for the progress made on the Harry Gwala Stadium, which is now 98% complete. Potwana also mentioned plans to implement phase two of the stadium in Cedarville. Furthermore, he acknowledged the improvements in water service delivery in ward 23, an area he had been vocal about. Potwana expressed relief that the water issue has been addressed, bringing much-needed relief to the community.
