Steenhuisen Blames Free State Municipality for Stifling Local Businesses

Businesses in the Free State are struggling to stay afloat, and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is pointing the finger at Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Water shortages, rolling power outages, and sewage spills are hitting entrepreneurs hard, threatening both their livelihoods and broader economic growth in the region.

Local Businesses in Crisis

Steenhuisen visited Welkom this week, highlighting the challenges that business owners face daily. From stalled expansions to lost opportunities for job creation, municipal inefficiencies are leaving many in the lurch. “These issues block businesses from growing and creating jobs,” he said, adding that municipalities are meant to be the engine rooms of the economy.

🚨Today, DA Leader John Steenhuisen engaged with major businesses in Matjhabeng, a municipality battling collapse & mismanagement. From water shedding to power cuts & sewage chaos, our 6-point plan will turn failing towns into growth engines & create jobs: https://t.co/0y4WuVHp3h pic.twitter.com/7f61qraB0V

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) August 18, 2025

Municipal Mismanagement

According to Steenhuisen, the problem is not unique to Matjhabeng. Across South Africa, underperforming municipalities are undermining national and provincial development plans. “That’s where the rubber hits the road,” Steenhuisen said. “Local services are delivered here, and when municipalities fail, they become roadblocks to growth and jobs.”

Great to be with the DA Free State leadership to visit businesses in the troubled Matjhabeng Municipality as part of the DA’s mission to rescue South Africa. pic.twitter.com/BXFI2bq2Kb

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) August 18, 2025

Public and Political Reactions

Social media has been abuzz with local business owners sharing stories of disrupted operations, lost revenue, and damaged equipment due to service failures. Many have called for urgent intervention, urging both provincial and national government to step in where municipalities fall short.

Steenhuisen framed his visit as part of the DA’s wider mission to “rescue South Africa” and restore economic stability. With elections on the horizon and job creation high on the public’s agenda, the spotlight on Matjhabeng’s service delivery challenges could have far-reaching implications.

{Source: SABC News}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com