ActionSA Gauteng is deeply saddened and angered by the tragic and preventable death of two-year-old Ntseka Nkatshumane, who drowned after falling into an open, water-filled manhole in Khutsong.
This devastating incident is yet another reminder of the continued negligence and failure of local government to protect the lives of residents – especially the most vulnerable among us.
According to community members, the danger posed by this open manhole had been repeatedly reported to the Merafong Local Municipality, yet those cries for help were ignored. Despite constant warnings, the municipality failed to act, allowing a known hazard to claim the life of an innocent child.
ActionSA finds this inaction both inhumane, unacceptable and a dereliction of responsibility. It is even more disturbing to learn that R2 million was reportedly budgeted for the manhole closure project – a project that has not materialised to date. This raises serious questions about where the allocated funds have gone, and why residents of Khutsong continue to live amid such life-threatening neglect.
We therefore demand that the Merafong Local Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) provide immediate answers to the following:
What happened to the R2 million budget allocated for the closing of manholes in Khutsong?
Who is responsible for the failure to act after repeated reports from the community?
What accountability measures will be taken to ensure justice for Ntseka and her grieving family?
ActionSA Gauteng will continue to pursue this matter through all available channels to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such a tragedy never happens again.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Nkatshumane family during this time of unimaginable pain. No parent should ever have to bury their child because of the carelessness and corruption of those entrusted with public safety.
ActionSA remains committed to fighting for communities across Gauteng that have been failed by municipalities that continue to prioritise political interests over human lives.
ActionSA Disheartened by Tragic Death of Two-year-old in Khutsong Open Manhole Due to Municipal Negligence, Calls for Accountability for Officials
ActionSA Gauteng is deeply saddened and angered by the tragic and preventable death of two-year-old Ntseka Nkatshumane, who drowned after falling into an open, water-filled manhole in Khutsong.
This devastating incident is yet another reminder of the continued negligence and failure of local government to protect the lives of residents – especially the most vulnerable among us.
According to community members, the danger posed by this open manhole had been repeatedly reported to the Merafong Local Municipality, yet those cries for help were ignored. Despite constant warnings, the municipality failed to act, allowing a known hazard to claim the life of an innocent child.
ActionSA finds this inaction both inhumane, unacceptable and a dereliction of responsibility. It is even more disturbing to learn that R2 million was reportedly budgeted for the manhole closure project – a project that has not materialised to date. This raises serious questions about where the allocated funds have gone, and why residents of Khutsong continue to live amid such life-threatening neglect.
We therefore demand that the Merafong Local Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) provide immediate answers to the following:
ActionSA Gauteng will continue to pursue this matter through all available channels to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such a tragedy never happens again.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Nkatshumane family during this time of unimaginable pain. No parent should ever have to bury their child because of the carelessness and corruption of those entrusted with public safety.
ActionSA remains committed to fighting for communities across Gauteng that have been failed by municipalities that continue to prioritise political interests over human lives.