The Free State Legislature’s Petitions Committee convened on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, at the T.S. Du Plessis Ballroom Hall in Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Welkom, to consider petitions raised by residents on service delivery matters affecting their communities.
The sitting was chaired by Hon. Jafta Mokoena, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Petitions.
Among the matters considered was a petition by residents of Matjhabeng, who raised concerns about the incomplete Meloding Stadium and its impact on the community. The Committee also heard a petition from residents of the Gugulethu informal settlement, which was established in 2018, calling for the area to be formalised and provided with basic services.
Responding on behalf of the Department of Human Settlements, officials indicated that processes to formalise the Gugulethu settlement are underway, with compliance currently at 90%. The Department emphasised that safety remains a priority and that the township cannot be approved until all requirements are met. Funding constraints were also cited as a contributing challenge to the pace of progress.
In closing, Chairperson of Chairs, Hon. Thabo Meeko, reminded stakeholders of the Committee’s mandate, stating:
“The Petitions Committee does not resolve political issues. We deal with service delivery for communities. We cannot be wasting government money travelling to places where the municipality could have solved the problem itself.”
He further noted that the majority of challenges facing Matjhabeng are linked to Vaal Central and called for stronger collaboration between communities and their leaders. He urged residents to report wrongdoing through the proper channels.
