Residents of Zeerust, predominantly pensioners, have blocked the N4 highway, which connects South Africa and Botswana, in protest over prolonged water shortages.
Pensioners shut down N4 route over water supply issues
The demonstration, which began early Tuesday, has disrupted traffic flow as protesters demand an immediate response from North West Premier Khumalo Molefe.
The affected villages, including Dinokana, Lehurutshe, and Ntswelitsoku, have reportedly suffered from inconsistent water supply for years, with no lasting solution.
The situation has worsened, affecting schools and healthcare facilities, with residents accusing the provincial government of neglect.
Community leaders say the protest will continue until Molefe personally addresses their concerns.
“We are tired of empty promises. We want the premier here, and we want solutions now,” said a community representative.
The Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, responsible for the water supply, has attributed the crisis to ongoing electrical failures at the Zeerust Water Treatment Works.
While a generator was installed to mitigate the impact of power outages, it has been unable to sustain all seven pumps, leading to water rationing, per BusinessTech reports.
Khumalo Molefe silent as tensions erupt in neglected North West communities
Despite the mounting crisis, Premier Khumalo Molefe has remained silent on the matter.
His administration previously cited infrastructure challenges, blaming power failures and drought for the persistent water shortages. However, locals argue that mismanagement and corruption have worsened the problem.
Recent allegations of financial misconduct against Molefe have further fuelled public outrage. SANCO (South African National Civic Organisation) has accused him of extorting money from service providers and misusing municipal funds.
Reports claim that money allocated for water infrastructure projects was diverted to other developments, leaving communities without essential services.
In response to calls for his resignation, Molefe dismissed the allegations as distractions, stating, “This is a sideshow. I am focusing on service delivery.”
However, his absence during the ongoing protests has intensified frustrations, with some residents threatening further action if their demands are not met.