DA leader visits Douglas in bid to 'rescue' Siyancuma from governance decay

Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader John Steenhuisen has sounded a rallying call for political change in the embattled Siyancuma Municipality, describing the area as a symbol of what he called “governance decay” under ANC-EFF control.

Speaking during his visit to Douglas on Monday, Steenhuisen did not mince words as he addressed the current state of the municipality, highlighting widespread service delivery collapse, failing infrastructure, and increasing unemployment. His visit comes ahead of a pivotal by-election in Ward 4, following the passing of independent Mayor Wim van Bergen, a key ally of the DA.

“Across Siyancuma, residents are burdened with staggering unemployment, collapsing services, and the indignity of outdated sanitation systems,” Steenhuisen said. “People are still forced to use bucket toilets and pit latrines in 2025 – this is unacceptable.”

He further lambasted the municipality’s failure to provide basic services such as water, saying that in some areas, the DA has had to step in with temporary relief efforts like the installation of JoJo tanks.

“These are stopgap solutions,” he said. “But they highlight our commitment. The DA believes that decline is not permanent – it can be reversed. Dignity can be restored.”

Missed opportunities

Steenhuisen expressed outrage at what he described as missed opportunities for economic development in the region. A proposal by a private investor to redevelop the dilapidated river resort into a functioning agricultural college was allegedly turned down by the local ANC-EFF-led government.

“This college could have brought much-needed skills development and job creation to Douglas. Instead, it was rejected for reasons that remain unclear, robbing the community of growth and hope,” he said.

The DA leader also pointed to maladministration and cadre deployment as key issues plaguing the municipality. “The municipal manager continues to appoint political loyalists without regard for due process or available budgets,” he said. “The result? Service delivery is further weakened, and ratepayer money is wasted.”

Even the local dumping site has reportedly fallen into non-compliance, which Steenhuisen says is “another symbol of ANC-led decay”.

A message of hope

Despite painting a grim picture, Steenhuisen emphasised that change is possible and that the DA remains ready to offer a viable alternative.

“To the residents of Siyancuma, we have a simple message: your dignity, your future, and your town matter to us,” Steenhuisen said. “The DA is committed to winning Ward 4 and laying the groundwork for a full-scale rescue of this municipality in the next local government elections.”

He paid tribute to the late Mayor Wim van Bergen, saying he had begun the difficult work of restoring good governance with the DA’s support. “His legacy must continue. This by-election is an opportunity to keep that vision alive,” he said.

Steenhuisen urged residents to reject neglect and mismanagement at the ballot box. “Together, we can end the suffering, we can end the neglect, and we can rescue Siyancuma.”

The by-election in Ward 4 will be closely watched, not only as a barometer of local political sentiment but also as a potential springboard for broader political shifts in the Northern Cape.