Merafong Municipality Negligence Leads to Loss of Life, ActionSA Calls for Accountability
Press Statement by Vusi Mcunana
ActionSA Merafong Regional Chairperson
Gross negligence by the Merafong municipality led to the untimely and preventable death of Mr. Anele Mnqayi, a resident of Khutsong, whose life was tragically cut short after the vehicle he was travelling in plunged into an unmarked culvert on Wedela Road.
This incident is not merely a tragedy; it is a direct consequence of municipal negligence and sheer disregard for human life.
The decision to reopen a structurally compromised road without completing critical safety repairs or ensuring adequate warning signage is unacceptable. Installing an 80 km/h speed limit sign on a road leading to a gaping, unmarked cavity reflects the gross incompetence and recklessness of the Merafong City Local Municipality.
The fact that the municipality only began erecting warning signs after the fatal accident demonstrates a disturbing pattern of reactionary governance, with no foresight for planning nor implementation of proactive measures. This is not governance; it is a betrayal of public trust.
ActionSA demands:
An immediate, independent investigation into the reopening of the Wedela road and the failure to maintain basic safety protocols.
Accountability from all responsible officials, including the contractor and any municipal authorities who approved or ignored warnings about the unsafe conditions.
Public apology and direct engagement with the bereaved family by the Mayor and Municipal Manager.
Urgent infrastructure audit of all reopened or under-construction municipal roads in Merafong to prevent further loss of life.
This tragedy must mark a turning point. We cannot continue to live under a municipality that only responds to disaster rather than preventing it. We will continue to champion ethical governance, accountability and the protection of human life in all corners of Merafong.
ActionSA sends heartfelt condolences to the Mnqayi family.
Merafong Municipality Negligence Leads to Loss of Life, ActionSA Calls for Accountability
Gross negligence by the Merafong municipality led to the untimely and preventable death of Mr. Anele Mnqayi, a resident of Khutsong, whose life was tragically cut short after the vehicle he was travelling in plunged into an unmarked culvert on Wedela Road.
This incident is not merely a tragedy; it is a direct consequence of municipal negligence and sheer disregard for human life.
The decision to reopen a structurally compromised road without completing critical safety repairs or ensuring adequate warning signage is unacceptable. Installing an 80 km/h speed limit sign on a road leading to a gaping, unmarked cavity reflects the gross incompetence and recklessness of the Merafong City Local Municipality.
The fact that the municipality only began erecting warning signs after the fatal accident demonstrates a disturbing pattern of reactionary governance, with no foresight for planning nor implementation of proactive measures. This is not governance; it is a betrayal of public trust.
ActionSA demands:
This tragedy must mark a turning point. We cannot continue to live under a municipality that only responds to disaster rather than preventing it. We will continue to champion ethical governance, accountability and the protection of human life in all corners of Merafong.
ActionSA sends heartfelt condolences to the Mnqayi family.