Residents of Kutlwanong in Odendaalsrus, Free State, staged a peaceful march to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality offices in Welkom, voicing strong frustration over unemployment, economic exclusion, and declining service delivery.
The protesters accused councillors of interfering in recruitment for community development projects, alleging widespread nepotism and bribery that allow undeserving individuals—often connected to councillors—to benefit at the expense of local residents. They claimed projects intended to uplift the area are frequently awarded to contractors from outside Matjhabeng, bypassing community members entirely.
Speakers highlighted high unemployment rates among youth, dilapidated infrastructure, and non-functional recreational facilities plaguing the community. One resident described the situation as one where job opportunities are allocated through “back doors,” with no transparent processes such as public selection or raffles to include locals.
Joseph Maretela, the convenor of the march, emphasized that municipal leadership prioritizes outsiders, their own families, and friends over the community. He stated that any contracts or developments in Kutlwanong must benefit local people, reminding leaders that they hold their positions thanks to community support and must therefore prioritize residents in all initiatives.
The protesters presented a memorandum of demands calling for urgent intervention to address these issues.
The chief of staff from the mayor’s office, received the memorandum and committed on behalf of the municipality to provide a formal response to the residents’ demands within seven working days.
The march remained peaceful, underscoring ongoing tensions in the Matjhabeng area regarding local economic participation and fair governance in community projects.